On March 31, 2021, Governor Andrew Cuomo – the son of a bridge – signed legislation (S.854-A/A.1248-A) legalizing adult-use cannabis in New York.

Social consumption sites and delivery services are now permitted. Cities, towns, and villages may opt-out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses by passing a local law by December 31, 2021.

Scanning the local newspapers, one learns that many neighboring towns — Wawarsing, Marbletown, Esopus, Saugerties, Rhinebeck, Red Hook — took action regarding the retail sale and public consumption of recreational marijuana.

Wawarsing will have a Public Hearing on December 2…

Marbletown held a Marijuana Public Forum on November 18…

Esopus will have the third Public Hearing on December 2…

Saugerties heard objections to permitting marijuana sales…

Rhinebeck opted out…

Red Hook opted out of on-site Marijuana consumption…

Throughout Ulster County people objected to zoning proposals that would allow retail sales of cannabis in industrial and business districts…They pointed out that existing concerns about marijuana –. before legalization – have not been addressed:

– The effects of cannabis on perception and coordination cause serious impairments in driving abilities, generating an increase in traffic hazards…

– Marijuana is known as the “gateway” to heavier drug use…

– A permissive attitude about smoking pot brings on increases in law enforcement costs and requires more treatment centers for drug abuse…

Meanwhile, the Town of Rochester residents are kept in the dark.
No public hearings… No community information session…

What exactly is the Town Board smoking?
Because it looks like they have already chosen between cannabis and marijuana…

jdm