BY PAUL MITCHELL
North Country This Week

CANTON – Both the village and town will be taking no action on cannabis dispensaries which opens the doors for such businesses in Canton.

Mayor Michael Dalton said the consensus of the public, including a public hearing in September, was pro cannabis dispensaries.

“The board has taken no action as a result. “There will be commercial enterprises that will be dealt with through zoning,” said Dalton. “There are still regulations the state is working on.”

Cities, towns and villages throughout New York State have until Dec. 31 to opt in or opt out. By taking no action, municipalities will allow both cannabis dispensaries and on-site consumption.

Town Supervisor Mary Ann Ashley echoed the village’s stance.

“The town board wanted to wait until after the public hearing,” said Ashley. “The general consensus was to wait and listen.”

A Sept. 22 public hearing attracted just one anti-cannabis community member who told the village board he has found needles on Main Street and in the village park and adding marijuana will only add to the problem.

Pro-cannabis comments ranged from medical use to a college curriculum at SUNY Canton.

In Massena, both town and village officials endorsed dispensaries but no on-site consumption.

In Ogdensburg, both dispensaries and on-site consumption will be allowed.

In Potsdam, both town and village officials took no action on their cannabis plans.

Cannabis dispensaries are not expected to open until the end of 2022.

The legislation passed by the state seeks to develop the adult-use cannabis industry in New York and enhances regulation, licensing for retail sales and taxation for businesses selling marijuana.

According to the state, development of an adult-use cannabis industry in the state has the potential to collect $350 million in state and local taxes annually. Additionally, there is the potential for this new industry to create 30,000 to 60,000 new jobs across the state, they project.