In March 2021, the State of New York passed a law to legalize all use of cannabis and its products. 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 and invite all residents to contribute their opinions on what they 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, the town 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,” said Gardiner Town Supervisor Marybeth Majestic in a press release. “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 survey for public feedback and a designated email address for residents to share their opinions with the Town Board.”
A link to the survey is here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/P62WCBP. Email your comments to cannabis.tog@gmail.com
“We thank you in advance for taking the time to consider this matter and for any suggestions and guidance you choose to share,” Majestic added.
For additional information, visit wwwtownofgardiner.org/cannabis.
Join the family! 
