If you don’t Opt-Out, you are Opting-In
By Dan Murphy
The Peekskill Common Council recently discussed their views on allowing Marijuana dispensiaries and cafes to open in their city next year. In March of 2021, New York State passed the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act, which will permit the sale and consumption of pot in communities across the state.
But the new law gave local communities and Opt-Out, in which their local government could vote not to permit the dispensiaries and lounges to operate, in exchange they would not benefit in the revenue sharing from the taxation of marijuana in NY.
Several Westchester communities have opted out including Yorktown, Eastchester, Larchmont, Ardsley, Somers, North Castle, Mt. Kisco, North Salem, Lewisboro and Bronxville.
The Opt-Out vote must occur by Dec. 31. If your local government does not act by then, they are, in essence, Opting -In.
In Peekskill, four members of the common council expressed support of having dispensiaries and cafes-lounges.
Councilwoman Kathie Talbot, Mayor Andre Rainey, Councilman Dwight Douglas and Councilwoman Vanessa Agudelo, all expressed their support for Opting-In.
Talbot said that dispensiaries and cafes “won’t be harmful to the city.” Douglas said “It would be a grave mistake to opt-out,” and that opting-in “is 100% to our benefit.”
Agudelo said, “I would hate for us to paint a negative picture of marijuana. These will be legitimate businesses, and we would be leaving money on the table if we Opt-Out. We can make good use of the money (revenues).”
Three common council members wanted to Opt-Out or needed more information. Councilwoman Patricia Riley said “I do have a problem with dispensiaries in Peekskill. This would send a mixed message.”
Deputy Mayor Vivian McKenzie, who will likely be the next Mayor in 2022, said “I don’t want that for Peekskill. Not all money is good money.”
Councilman Ramon Fernandez said he is seeking more input from the community before making a decision.
Four votes would be needed to opt-out.
