Wayne County is making strides to ensure clear and comprehensive restrictions on cannabis use within its jurisdiction, in response to New York State’s legalization.
The County Board of Supervisors is contemplating extending the current ban on smoking and vaping in County-owned buildings and vehicles to encompass cannabis, citing concerns over secondhand smoke and the desire to maintain a toxin-free environment for the public.
A resolution, dubbed Local Law 7 of 2023, seeks to amend the existing 2015 law, proposing an explicit inclusion of cannabis in the No Smoking/Vaping regulations, is set to be presented at the upcoming County Board of Supervisors Meeting.
The amended law would require updates to all signage at County Buildings to reflect the expanded prohibition. This initiative is grounded in the recognition of the harmful and psychoactive components in cannabis, such as THC, which can be transmitted through secondhand smoke, posing risks of respiratory issues, lung irritation, and detrimental health impacts across age groups.
For non-compliance with this refined law, the County will enforce a civil penalty of $200 for the first offense and $1,000 for any subsequent offenses. A public hearing regarding this modification is scheduled for October 17 at 9:05 a.m.
The proposed amendment not only reaffirms the County’s commitment to public health and safety but also paves the way for local towns to reevaluate and update their respective cannabis prohibition laws.
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