New York City’s hemp shops are under fire as state regulators intensify efforts to combat illegal cannabis sales. Licensed hemp retailers report being unfairly targeted by Operation Padlock, a statewide initiative focused on shutting down unlicensed cannabis stores. “They’re shutting down unlicensed marijuana stores, but my hemp clients are collateral damage,” said Joshua Bauchner, a NYC-based attorney representing 12 hemp merchants affected by the crackdown, reported MJBiz. Many licensed hemp retailers argue they operate legally under federal laws but find themselves caught in the crosshairs …