Hochul penalizing Google maps for illegal pot shop surge [Video]

Up against at least 1,500 illegal marijuana shops in New York City, Gov. Kathy Hochul slammed social media companies Wednesday for listing the stores online.

It’s been a two-year challenge for state regulators charged with writing and enforcing the rules tied to the legal cannabis market.

Hochul’s latest solution? Blame social media.

“They’re allowing the sowing of a lot of confusion in the marketplace,” Hochul said at a press conference held at her Midtown Manhattan office. If you type in cannabis dispensaries on Google Maps, or Yelp, you’ll get a long list of unlicensed illegal vendors.”

Hochul said they’re guilty of aiding illegal businesses.

“Now I’m calling on all these platforms to step up, do the right thing and be part of the solution. Don’t be complicit in helping jeopardize the public health and the livelihoods of these legitimate business owners,” Hochul said.

Search “cannabis store” on Google and odds are, you’ll view many illegal stores like “Weed World” — which is not included …