State municipalities have until December 31 to opt-out of allowing retail dispensaries and on-site consumption licenses within their respective boundaries by adopting a local law, subject to a permissive referendum on or before December 31. In this interview with the Oneonta Daily Star, Harris Beach Cannabis Industry Team co-leader Karl Sleight says that there are limits to what activities municipalities can control regarding legalized adult-use marijuana, and that they cannot opt out of cultivation, processing and transportation.
Karl goes on to say that interest in licensing is mushrooming, though, regulations still need to be put in place by the state.
“I’ve done over 100 video conferences since the law passed,” Sleight said. “There is more traction and traffic on this issue than any other one I have seen. It’s not often a market like this comes online. It’s almost like it was when Prohibition ended. It is the same dynamic, with a huge pent-up demand.”