The Village of Richmondville became the latest to wrestle with the marijuana opt-in or opt-out question Saturday, when just two residents showed up at a public hearing on the issue.
Municipalities have until December 31 to opt out of allowing cannabis dispensaries and lounges—or they’ll be allowed under state regulations still being written.
Town and villages that opt out can change their mind and opt back in, but those that don’t opt out are stuck allowing it.
Using slides from an April New York Conference of Mayors webinar on retail sales and local regulation, Trustee Garry Davis explained what they know now about the still-evolving law.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if the December 31 deadline is extended,” he said.
Even if municipalities opt out, under a permissive referendum, voters could still bring the issue to a vote by collecting enough signatures—20 percent of registered voters—to allow it.
If the dispensaries or lounges are allowed, municipalities likely will be able to use zoning to regulate where, Mr. Davis said; they’re still waiting for more guidance from NYCOM.
Municipalities stand to make some revenue from marijuana sales, but even the formula for that is confusing.
High Street resident Cyndi Miller asked if allowing retail marijuana would put any burden on the village.
Probably not, Mr. Davis said; if someone built a dispensary, costs for things like water and sewer and even inspections would likely be passed along to the developer as part of the permit.
Planning Board member Lisa Scott said their concerns include things like parking.
For himself, as long as the facilities are regulated and there’s an opportunity for some revenue, Mr. Davis said he leans opting in.
At their meeting Monday, the village voted to opt out of allowing lounges, but took no action on dispensaries, which means they’ll be allowed unless a petition brings it to a vote.