On July 8 the Common Council approved local legislation intended to strengthen the city's enforcement powers against unlicensed cannabis retailers. Sponsors said the law builds on 2021 New York State cannabis legislation and subsequent state budget changes allowing municipalities to tighten local enforcement.

Majority leader Holt (floor remarks) and other supporters told the council the local measures allow the city to issue emergency padlocks, pursue administrative closure of unlicensed stores for up to a year, issue cease-and-desist orders with daily penalties for egregious violations, and hold landlords accountable when they lease to unlicensed cannabis operators. "It requires property owners take action against unlicensed cannabis tenants or face enforcement proceedings," the majority leader said.

Supporters argued the measures protect public health and safety, create economic fairness for licensed businesses, and ensure consumers receive seed-to-sale tracked products from licensed sellers. The council moved to approve items 102 and 103 (local laws related to cannabis sales and enforcement); the motion was seconded and taken up for immediate passage as recorded on the floor. The transcript records broad support from councilmembers and notes coordination with the law department, the Buffalo Police Department, and other agencies on enforcement mechanics.

The transcript does not contain ordinance text or the final penalty schedules; it records the council's approval of the measures and references that implementation details will be handled by the city's departments in coordination with the law department.