Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act
A PUBLIC HEARING was held Tuesday, December 14th at 7 PM on the decision of the Town Board to Opt-Out of Cannabis Consumption Lounges in Gardiner.
In March 2021 the State of New York passed a law to legalize all use of cannabis and its products. The Town Board must vote by December 2021 on a decision whether to Opt-In or Opt-Out for the creation of Dispensary location(s) and/or Cannabis Lounge(s) in Gardiner. The Town Board is currently planning to automatically opt-in to the option of Dispensaries, as per the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
While most of this law falls under the jurisdiction of the State through a state-appointed Cannabis Control Board, there are two elements of the law over which the Town Board of Gardiner can make a decision. We would like to invite all residents to contribute your opinions on what you would like to see happen in Gardiner.
The Town Board must vote by December 2021 on a decision whether to Opt-In or Opt-Out for the creation of Dispensary location(s) in Gardiner, as well as Cannabis Lounge(s). The Town Board can decide to allow both kinds of venues, or just one, or neither. Once the choice is made, the State Cannabis Control Board will be in charge of approving applications for these venues.
If Gardiner Opts-In on these venues, the town will share in the tax revenues created by the State MRT Law. If Gardiner Opts-Out, we will not share in the State benefits. If Gardiner chooses to Opt-Out of either type of venue, a Public Hearing will be scheduled before the end of 2021.
We recognize the cultural paradigm shift that is occurring around the use of cannabis. Whereas it was once considered dangerous, modern research has proven many health benefits of cannabis. We know that people may have strong opinions in both directions.
We have created a designated email address for residents to share their opinions with the Town Board. Please feel free to email your comments to cannabis.tog@gmail.com
We thank you for taking the time to consider this matter, and sincerely thank all residents and community members for the suggestions and guidance you have shared with the Town Board.
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Links to information about the New York State MRT Law / Cannabis:
3/30/21: Press Release from the Offices of Ulster County Legislator Jonathan Heppner
Summary of the main components of the New York State MRT Bill
New York State Senate official webpage: MRT Act
New York State Office of Cannabis Management official webpage