Peekskill Considering Marijuana Retail Sales, Cafes

PEEKSKILL, NY — Peekskill is still mulling whether to allow dispensaries for marijuana sales in the city and still wants to hear from the public about this issue.

The Common Council will be discussing the issue in September, according to City Manager Andrew Stewart.

"We do have a survey running online," he told Patch, "and 70 percent support dispensaries."

The survey, in both English and Spanish, consists of two questions: Should Peekskill allow marijuana retail stores (dispensaries), and should Peekskill allow marijuana cafes (consumption sites)?

In March, the state enacted the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which made the consumption of pot legal. Municipalities were told they could opt-out of allowing marijuana-selling and on-site usage in businesses.

However, according to the bill, if they don't opt-out before Dec. 31 that would mean dispensaries could go ahead and set up shop.

Opting out doesn't mean that's a done deal. Municipalities may, at a later date, decide to allow the sale and on-site use of pot.

No municipality can opt-out of any provision that allows adults to legally use marijuana.

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