Ossining Considers Nixing Cannabis Consumption Lounges

OSSINING, NY — The Ossining town board has scheduled a public hearing for Aug. 24 on whether to allow businesses to open cannabis consumption lounges.

Ossining village and town officials are less likely to OK cannabis lounges than dispensaries, the Examiner News reported. Ossining town set Aug. 26 for a public hearing and Ossining village is drafting a proposal for one.

Read the full article in theexaminernews.com.

Municipalities have until the end of 2021 to decide if and how they will participate in New York State's new law legalizing recreational marijuana. Officials must decide if they'll allow retail cannabis sales and hookah-bar style premises where public consumption of cannabis is legal.

Villages and townships can opt out of either or both this year and opt in at a later date but opting in before December 31, 2020 is a final decision.

Marijuana legalization in New York means that adults 21 and up can smoke or otherwise consume cannabis and possess up to 3 ounces. Also, New Yorkers with marijuana-related convictions for actions that are no longer illegal will have their records expunged.

But while businesses can apply for licenses to sell recreational marijuana, grow it or set up consumption lounges licenses won't be granted overnight.

Michael McQueeny, a counsel at Foley Hoag LLP who works in cannabis law, told Patch New York simply didn't put a timetable as to when those licenses will be granted. McQueeny estimated it could take up to two years before New Yorkers can lawfully go out and buy cannabis in the new adult-use marketplace.

Ossining town and village boards will decide to allow or opt out of marijuana dispensaries to operate inside the village and if marijuana use will be permitted in public spaces like parks or retail consumption establishments like lounges.

In March, New York became the 15th state to legalize marijuana. Learn more on the state's The Office of Cannabis Management website.