Local leaders and students were on the steps of City Hall Wednesday to share their concerns on the distribution of illegal marijuana at unlicensed smoke shops in the city.

They say they are worried the shops may not have the best influence for the young generation.

"These products are being sold in every street corner, in every vape shop," says Dorian Furhman, co-founder of Parents Against Vaping. "Many of these vape shops are masquerading as convenience stores."

Parents Against Vaping was started by three concerned moms back in 2018 in response to the youth vaping epidemic. Elected officials say a lot of the products are sometimes laced.

"There's only one store in all of New York City that can legally sell recreational cannabis and that is in Manhattan. Not in the Bronx. Not in Brooklyn. Not in Staten Island. Not in Queens. So, if you live in those outer boroughs, and you see one of these shops saying they could sell it, call us. We're going to shut them down," says Council Member Majorie Velasquez.

Elected officials tell News 12 they are hoping for three major takeaways in City Council discussions on the topic: education, enforcement and awareness.