Yes to dispensaries, no to lounges.
For now.
That’s what the Village of Middleburgh decided Monday on marijuana.
Municipalities have until December 31 to opt out of a New York State law allowing cannabis dispensaries and “lounges” where customers can relax and enjoy edibles like brownies and candy; smoking pot—like smoking cigarettes—would be prohibited indoors.
Towns and villages that don’t opt out of the law will automatically allow both—and can’t change their mind down the road.
Those that opt out can always opt in later.
It’s confusing to say the least and one of the reasons Middleburgh opted against the lounges.
“My opinion is to go slow with this [lounges] and see how it all rolls out,” said Mayor Trish Bergan.
“We don’t even have the rules and regulations yet. We really have to have a conversation about what we want our community to look like.”
Mayor Bergan pointed to the potential of revenue from dispensaries; Trustee Tim Knight said he sees an advantage to allowing the lounges—especially if other municipalities opt out.
With three bars, multiple places to eat and drink, and liquor stores, “I don’t see anything wrong with having a place to sit down,” Mr. Knight said.
New Trustee Shane Foland agreed.
“I’d definitely support it at some point. It can’t just be no, no, no.”
Zoning Board of Appeals Chairman John Wingfield said under village zoning, any place that can serve food and alcohol would be able to serve edibles if the village opts in to that part of the law.
“I’d just to like to see how they operate,” added Trustee Bob Tinker. “I don’t have a problem with them as long as they follow the regulations.”
Trustees voted unanimously to opt out of lounges for now and with no action, opted into the dispensaries.