Syracuse Mayor Ben Walsh has announced a State Supreme Court ruling that has led to the closure of an illegal marijuana shop on the city’s northside. Judge James T. Murphy issued a permanent injunction against The Herbal Center, preventing it from selling or consuming cannabis at its location on 916 N. Salina Street. The court’s decision, made on June 18, also included $10,000 fines payable to the city by the business owner and the limited liability corporation owning the property.
The lawsuit was filed by the city Corporation Counsel’s office in May 2024. Judge Murphy concluded that The Herbal Center “knowingly and defiantly sold cannabis without a license.” The injunction prevents the shop from selling cannabis or allowing its consumption until proper state licensing is obtained. It also prohibits online advertising or signage for cannabis sales.
Mayor Walsh commented, “Operations like The Herbal Center are dangerous to public health and safety, undermine the State’s efforts to provide residents with safe recreational cannabis, and hurt legitimate businesses that are following the rules.” He emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting neighborhoods from illegal business operations.
Judge Murphy dismissed claims from The Herbal Center that presented itself as a private club. They argued that Syracuse’s Local Cannabis Law was unconstitutional and challenged city-authorized inspections of their store. However, Judge Murphy stated, “the Herbal Center has no reasonable expectation of privacy in its illegal cannabis operation, despite its attempts to conceal or keep its operation ‘private.’”
The $10,000 fines were imposed under Syracuse’s Cannabis Local Law against The Herbal Center, 916 North Salina Street LLC, and owner John Vanfossen.
