This week residents in Gorham could have a better idea whether a town law opting out of the sale of marijuana in retail stores and on-site consumption will remain.
A vote is scheduled for registered voters in the town of Gorham on Tuesday, between 12 and 8 p.m.
If the law is repealed by voters on Tuesday, then the matter of opting in- or out- will go to voters in the fall.
When state lawmakers gave the green light to legalizing recreational marijuana in New York they provided a tool for localities to ‘opt out’ of the sale and consumption portions of it.
There were several communities across the Finger Lakes and Central New York who opted out of the sale and on-site consumption portion of marijuana legalization.
RELATED: Around 9% of towns, villages have opted out of recreational marijuana law in New York
Gorham opted out 3-1 in 2021
Last year the Town Board voted 3-1 to opt out of allowing adult-use marijuana dispensaries and consumption sites. Towns were forced to make a decision by December 31, 2022.
Supervisor Fred Lightfoote tells The Messenger Post that a lack of information and confusion led to the board opting out. In Ontario County, the towns of Canandaigua and Farmington also opted out.
Adding to confusion, the city of Canandaigua and village of Victor are allowing retail sales, but not consumption sites.
RELATED: Cannabis-growing facility testing plants for upcoming sale in Finger Lakes (video)
Here’s why a vote is happening
Some in the community believe it could be a shot in the arm economically for Gorham.
That’s been a common thread among supporters of recreational marijuana across the Finger Lakes and Central New York.
The biggest issue, though, is missing out on something neighboring communities will cash in on in the long-term.
Registered voters can go to the Crystal Beach Fire Department, 4468 state Route 364, and Gorham Fire Department, 4676 Kearney Road to let their voices be heard on the matter Tuesday, August 9, 2022.
FingerLakes1.com is the region’s leading all-digital news publication. The company was founded in 1998 and has been keeping residents informed for more than two decades. Have a lead? Send it to [email protected]