Relates to providing notice to elected officials upon receipt and approval of an application for a cannabis retail dispensary or on-site consumption license.
Impact
The bill is set to impact the regulatory framework surrounding the cannabis industry in New York by necessitating prompt notification to elected officials about licensing applications. This could lead to increased local engagement in the decision-making processes related to cannabis establishments. By allowing local representatives to be informed about potential dispensaries or on-site consumption locations, the bill seeks to align cannabis licensing with community interests and concerns, thereby enhancing the local governance structure related to cannabis regulation.
Summary
Bill A08118 aims to amend New York's cannabis law to enhance communication between the Cannabis Control Board and elected officials regarding applications for adult-use retail dispensaries and on-site consumption licenses. The proposed legislation mandates that within thirty days of receiving such applications, the board must notify the members of the state assembly and senate representing the district where the proposed establishment is located. This requirement intends to keep local lawmakers informed about cannabis-related developments in their districts, promoting transparency and accountability in the licensing process.
Contention
While the bill aims to foster better communication between governmental levels, some points of contention might arise regarding the potential for increased political influence over licensing decisions. Critics may argue that notification could lead to unnecessary delays as local officials might impose additional scrutiny on applications. Opponents could contend that this requirement may hinder the speed at which the cannabis market develops, particularly in areas eager for economic benefits resulting from cannabis sales. Additionally, there may be discussions surrounding whether such notifications could politicize the licensing process, rather than keeping it strictly regulatory.
Requires the cannabis control board to provide notice to state legislative representatives upon receipt of application for an adult-use cannabis retail dispensary or on-site consumption license in their district.
Requires the cannabis control board to provide notice to state legislative representatives upon receipt of application for an adult-use cannabis retail dispensary or on-site consumption license in their district.
Enacts the "cannabis oversight and official engagement act"; requires the office of cannabis management to notify appropriate elected officials of applications for adult-use retail dispensaries in their legislative districts; requires the office to consider any responses from such elected officials in determining an application for an adult-use retail dispensary license; requires such communications to be made public.
Exempts the town of Pound Ridge from the establishment of retail dispensary licenses and on-site consumption licenses for cannabis, provided that the town adopts a local law prohibiting the establishment of such licenses.
Exempts the town of Pound Ridge from the establishment of retail dispensary licenses and on-site consumption licenses for cannabis, provided that the town adopts a local law prohibiting the establishment of such licenses.
Requires retail licensees for on-premises consumption of alcohol and adult-use on-site consumption of cannabis licensees have opioid antagonists to be administered to patrons, staff or individuals on premises of such establishment.
Prohibits cannabis retail and on-site consumption licensees from operating such premises within one thousand feet of school grounds or a child day care center.
Directs the cannabis control board not to issue any license, permit or registration for retail dispensaries of cannabis until the cannabis control board reviews and closes businesses which are selling cannabis without a proper license or permit.
Relates to the hours adult-use cannabis shall be sold for on-site consumption; provides cannabis products shall only be sold for on-site consumption between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11 p.m.