WATCH: 'I'm Stuck' Owner Opens ‘Canna Pawn & Loan’ in Lyons
After being ordered to pay $15.2 million in penalties and disgorgement for illegally operating unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in upstate New York, David Tulley appears to be back in business.
Just months after being ordered to pay $15.2 million in penalties and disgorgement for illegally operating unlicensed cannabis dispensaries in upstate New York, David Tulley appears to be back in business—this time under the guise of a marijuana pawn shop.
Tulley, the embattled former owner of the “I’m Stuck” and “Weed Warehouse” dispensary chains, took to Facebook on January 12, 2025, announcing his latest venture: the “Canna Pawn & Loan.” In a video posted to his social media account, Tulley is seen standing inside what appears to be the commercial location at 18 Canal Street in Lyons—the same site previously shut down by state officials—where he enthusiastically pitches his new business model.
According to Tulley, the “Canna Pawn & Loan” will offer traditional pawn shop services, such as buying and trading gold, silver, jewelry, and other valuables. However, he makes an eyebrow-raising offer to local farmers, stating they can bring in cannabis as part of a trade. The video also suggests the shop will provide short-term loans, referring to them as “fronts,” a term commonly associated with advancing goods before payment is made.
“Welcome back I’m Stuck fans, we are back 18 canal street here in Lyons. Brand new idea and market we’re doing here,” Tulley shouts in the video. “Farmers, bring us your cannabis, we’ll trade you out.”
His announcement raises significant legal and regulatory concerns. Under New York State law, all cannabis transactions must be conducted through licensed dispensaries and strictly follow state guidelines. The Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) has been aggressively cracking down on illegal operations, with Attorney General Letitia James securing multimillion-dollar judgments against Tulley and other unlicensed sellers in 2024.
Tulley’s latest move seems to be a direct challenge to state authorities. In May 2024, Attorney General James accused him of ignoring multiple cease-and-desist notices while continuing to operate unlicensed dispensaries across Wayne, Cayuga, and Oswego counties. The judgment required him to pay $7 million in illegally obtained profits and an additional $8.2 million in penalties for violating New York’s Cannabis Law.
Despite being forced to shut down, Tulley’s reemergence suggests he has no intention of backing down. By pivoting to a pawn shop model and implying cannabis could be used as a trade commodity, he may be attempting to circumvent the strict licensing requirements that shut down his previous businesses.
Local officials and legal experts are already scrutinizing Tulley’s latest business model. If his new operation involves unlicensed cannabis transactions, he could once again face legal action from state regulators. Additionally, the practice of offering loans or “fronts” in exchange for cannabis raises potential concerns about predatory lending and compliance with financial regulations.
Wayne County residents have expressed mixed reactions to Tulley’s return to business. While some see him as a defiant entrepreneur fighting against the state’s slow rollout of dispensary licenses, others worry about the legal and safety risks his operations pose to the community.
On the Facebook video, one user commented, “Stop yelling. Sounds like a bad infomercial.”
Tulley was quick to respond.
“I'm not yelling. Would you like to hear me yell? Lol. Stop by, and I'll show you some good old-fashioned yelling. Thin skin over a commercial on Facebook—unreal.”
Another user asked, “How long does it take for a pawnbroker license and bonding? Does the town have to amend its code too?”
“Did you look up such codes for the town? I can assure you I am bonded appropriately. Look up laws before posting, or are you just trying to put a business in a bad light for the sake of hating? Karen?” David Tulley responded.
The Wayne County Journal has reached out to the Office of Cannabis Management and the Attorney General’s Office for comment on Tulley’s latest business venture. As of publication, no official response has been issued.
Given Tulley’s history of defying state orders, it remains to be seen how long “Canna Pawn & Loan” will operate before drawing the attention of regulators. For now, Tulley is once again testing the limits of New York’s cannabis laws—and the state’s willingness to enforce them.