Community members in Bushwick are responding to the recent shutdown of an illegal cannabis shop on Wilson Avenue.

The NYC Boutiq, which was found to be selling illegal cannabis products, including THC vapes, pre-rolls and edibles, has been fined nearly $50,000 by the NYPD's Sheriff’s Office.

"Obviously, I enjoy pot," said one local resident. "I'll smoke it and I like it a little cheaper."

Residents noted that the shop had been operational for less than a month, and many view its closure as a positive development.

"You don't know what you’re smoking and where these people are sourcing it," said another community member. "A lot of these products could be fake substances or contain pesticides due to lack of quality control."

The bust is part of Mayor Eric Adams’ Operation Padlock, an initiative launched in May aimed at cracking down on illegal cannabis shops. Since the operation began, over 700 such shops have been shut down, according to city officials.

"All of these shops that are selling it illegally are doing so in a very sketchy, transactional manner," said Councilmember Jennifer Gutiérrez. "I don't know if we want to expose young people to that."

Misha’s Flower Shop, which opened legally three months ago a few blocks away, represents a safer alternative. "Selling weed is all that I know, so it's really wonderful to be able to continue doing it in this new context," said Misha Morse-Buch, owner of Misha's Flower Shop.

As NYC Boutiq remains closed, city officials remind New Yorkers that legal cannabis shops will display a licensed blue sticker and can be verified online.