Gov. Kathy Hochul announced Wednesday that applications for cannabis licenses are now available to more New Yorkers.

State officials say they are expanding the pool of applicants in the state while also announcing aggressive new enforcement efforts to crack down on illegal sales.

Hochul said more than 8,500 pounds of illegal cannabis products worth $42 million have been seized. Officials say they will continue to work with local neighborhoods to target illegal vendors, with illegal businesses facing higher fines and penalties.

The application period is open now until Dec. 4.