Northport residents share thoughts on adult-use cannabis

On March 31, 2021, New York passed a law legalizing recreational cannabis in New York State, making the use of marijuana in your home, backyard or any private – and some public – properties legal for people over 21 years old. New York is now among 16 states that allow for some degree of “recreational use” of cannabis. Nine additional states have passed decriminalization laws, along with several others that offer medicinal marijuana.

Under the new law, adults can possess up to three ounces of cannabis outside of their homes, but are only able to smoke it in areas that allow for tobacco use, which means it’s not permitted in public parks, playgrounds or transportation. The bill also gives authority to cities, towns and villages within New York to opt-out of allowing a regulated adult-use dispensary within their jurisdiction, but they are not allowed to opt-out of legalization. In other words, even if you can’t buy cannabis within a specific area, you can still use it there legally.

What does this all mean for residents looking to buy or sell cannabis in Northport? Will an adult-use cannabis dispensary be allowed to set up shop in East Northport, Northport or other areas in the Town of Huntington?

Most political leaders are staying quiet on the subject, although Northport Village Trustee Tom Kehoe (the Commissioner of Commerce), recently told The Observer that the issue of legalized marijuana is a “bottomless pit” that may not be worth the potential tax revenue. The Journal reached out to Northport Village officials, including the mayor and each trustee, on their intentions to gauge community support and begin the work that needs to be done before making a decision on this matter, but as of publication, received no responses.

At some point in the coming months, residents will be able to voice their opinions regarding adult-use cannabis and the allowance of sales in Northport. If the Village board moves forward on a position that doesn’t reflect the community’s beliefs, it can be overturned in a voter referendum on the March ballot during the upcoming election for Village mayor and trustees.

Last week, the Journal set out to gather the community’s perspective on this issue in order to initiate conversation about this timely topic, and get an idea of how Northport and East Northport residents feel about adult-use marijuana. Links to a Google form were posted and shared on a variety of Facebook groups, from Northport Open for Virtual Business to family and “mom groups” representing Northport and East Northport.

The Journal invited residents to submit a completed questionnaire on cannabis legalization and sales within Northport Village and the Town of Huntington. We received a total of 59 replies submitted by residents from the Village (19), East Northport (21), and areas of Northport (15) including Crab Meadow, Eaton’s Neck, and Fort Salonga. The mean age of respondents was 44 years old, with ages ranging from 22 to 68. Ninety percent of people chose to respond anonymously.

The form included several questions regarding cannabis legalization in New York, whether or not there should be an adult-use dispensary in Northport Village and/or the Town of Huntington, and what participants considered to be the benefits and dangers of cannabis sales in these areas.

A majority of participants reported to be in favor of adult-use cannabis legalization in New York and adult-use sales in a local dispensary located in both Northport Village and the Town of Huntington.

Should adult-use cannabis be legal in New York?

Among those who responded in favor of recreational cannabis in New York, it was noted several times that cannabis has medicinal value, and legality aids access and ease of purchase. One Village resident noted, “As a registered nurse in the ER and home hospice, this would be of great help to people in the dying process. I had patients who got it illegally to improve their quality of life when terminally ill. They all felt guilt at having to get it this way, as did their families. It would have been more dignified if they could have obtained it legally.”

Many respondents echoed the sentiment that adults should be able to make responsible choices for themselves, and that cannabis is already being used by adults.

Legalization, in the eyes of some, will regulate a market that has been occurring behind closed doors for far too long. One community member explained, “It’s safer for everyone involved when drugs are regulated.” And an East Northport resident wrote that it should be legal “because marijuana has many health benefits that could potentially help people live happier, healthier, less stressful lives. If alcohol is readily available, then why not?”

Among the 19 percent of residents who oppose cannabis legalization, the common thread was fear of use by children. “We don’t want them to think this is normal, like alcohol,” said one participant. An Eaton’s Neck resident noted, “I have seen how this supposedly ‘harmless’ drug has ruined people’s lives.” Said another: “It will attract drug users and criminal elements that will degrade the community.”

Should Northport Village allow for adult-use sales in a local cannabis dispensary?

Questionnaire results show that 74% of participants believe that adult-use cannabis sales should be allowed in Northport Village. For those in favor, many mentioned the increased tax revenue, but answers also addressed that legal access is perhaps safer for residents, would help to eliminate illegal sales, and would drive much-needed business in the Village.

Regarding the potential economic impact, one Villager said, “It would be foolish to stand back while others take in additional income to their respective towns/villages if we choose not to participate. In addition, my understanding is that a certain percentage will be allocated towards support and resources to educate young people on being responsible. I’d imagine, the way we have with alcohol. And let’s be honest, anyone complaining about marijuana just needs to take a drive downtown to see the alcohol consumption.”

Another participant noted, “The Northport area would be well served to embrace long overdue changes regarding adult recreational cannabis and should take full advantage of the economic opportunities available to the town.”

And a Village resident explained, “I am in favor of a regulated dispensary because of the tax revenue it will create, the freeing up of police resources it will allow, the physical and mental good that cannabis can provide, the low risk of danger associated with cannabis, and, perhaps most importantly, the progress it would allow in taking steps toward racial parity in law enforcement.”

There were many references to alcohol and the presence of both bars and liquor stores in the area. Comments also refer to the potential to help restaurant traffic and increase the economic health of the community. One East Northport resident wrote, “It’s no different than having a liquor store or a smoke shop.”

Supporters mentioned a dispensary’s ability to drive business to the area, as dispensary-goers will likely dine locally and shop at other businesses while in the Village. “A dispensary would well serve the local population, preventing adults from having to ‘go elsewhere’ and may also provide a boost to ancillary businesses, further helping the local economy,” a participant suggested. And another stated, “The population is changing, it’s younger and becoming more open-minded. This would certainly put us in the right direction as far as attracting a new generation of Northporters.”

Those opposed to an adult-use dispensary in Northport Village noted that easier access to cannabis may lead to more driving under the influence and make it easier for people under 21 years old to obtain marijuana.

A few participants mentioned that a dispensary can attract out of towners and increase traffic. One resident said, “I’ve seen firsthand what the dispensary looks like in Massachusetts. It changes the area and it becomes seedy (no pun intended). I would hate to have that in Northport. It brings a different element to the town. Lots of loitering that is unnecessary.” And another participant said, “I think something like this may bring an element into the Village that residents won’t necessarily feel comfortable with. Everyone wants something until it’s in their own backyard.”

One respondent is in favor of a dispensary in the Town of Huntington, but feels that Northport Village is a quaint, old-fashioned town that doesn’t pair well with cannabis sales. He wrote, “While legalization is progressive and the right thing to do, I don’t think it fits in with the historic vision I have of the Village.”

Should the Town of Huntington allow for adult-use sales in a local cannabis dispensary?

All respondents in favor of an adult-use dispensary in the Village noted their support for one in the Town of Huntington (TOH). And some residents who preferred not to have a dispensary in the Village were in favor of one opening in the TOH, noting concerns about traffic in the Village and potentially attracting an “unpleasant element” or overwhelming the infrastructure.

Some respondents who noted being in favor of adult-use cannabis indicated that there are potential drawbacks that should be addressed in order to avoid harm. One Village resident wrote, “I worry slightly about people smoking in the park where kids could see and smell it because my kids think smoking is very bad. But ultimately, it is up to parents to talk to their kids about it, just as they would about alcohol, which is also legal.”

Another resident indicated that overuse can be harmful, whether it’s legal or illegal, one Northporter adding that marijuana has to be locked up or stored away appropriately to avoid accidental access for minors.

When asked how the potential tax revenue should be spent, participant answers touched on many local programs, including putting the money towards schools, roads, senior care, drug use education and rehabilitation, drainage solutions, extra security, off-setting the LIPA settlement, and promoting local businesses and community organizations.

While all opponents of adult-use cannabis indicated that they are not marijuana users, those in favor of legalization and a local dispensary were both users and non-users. Some noted occasional use and others indicated that they use marijuana daily. To add, one respondent noted, “There is a stigma attached and I think if those who are against would learn exactly who uses it, that might change.”

While this is a complex issue, several states, including New York, are working to understand the law and determine the best way to integrate it into communities. Towns and villages have until December 31 to opt-out. Until then, we will continue the discussion and invite all residents to submit a completed questionnaire so that we can update our understanding of community perspective on this issue.

You can find the form here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfRxQhVZBnkQmvhJG0L9-HEQty-26Fvab4KCRYynm_MsbZDTg/viewform?usp=sf_link