Planning For Pot

Inaction is rarely something to applaud in municipal government, but the Southampton Town Board was exactly right in letting the clock run out last month on the decision to “opt out” of allowing the recreational sale and on-site consumption of marijuana within its borders. Because there’s virtually no scenario where it will benefit the town more to turn away cannabis business than to regulate it.

The point has been made over and over: Cannabis will be on the South Fork, no matter what. The Shinnecock Nation will be a major player in the retail market, Brookhaven Town is ready, and Riverhead Town already has a burgeoning medical dispensary, which means the infrastructure is in place for a quick start once New York State writes the necessary rules governing the sale of marijuana. Quick reminder: Pot is now a legal product in New York State — the only thing remaining is to establish ground rules for its trade.

Villages within town borders have opted out, preserving the right to ban recreational sales and to turn away smoking lounges. That’s their prerogative, but it will not quell the use of the product by residents and visitors alike — it merely will eliminate any economic benefit. The costs, including the expense of new policing strategies and equipment, won’t change at all.

Arguably, though, the town has more flexibility for where marijuana shops can set up. Perhaps, as in some communities, they will be tucked away in less visible spots, though that will paint the vendors with an unfair taint of illegitimacy, or illicitness. In truth, states that have legalized marijuana have found that shops can be sleek and modern, cutting-edge retailers that are the farthest thing from sleazy. A quick trip to Riverhead’s existing dispensary confirms that, if you even notice it among the doctor’s offices nearby.

In truth, a resort community that opts out is turning its back on a changing economy and a new opportunity that could only come around once. When the private licenses are issued by the state, it could well be that “opt-out” communities are left empty-handed if they decide later that the benefits outweigh the risks. Better to plan now, as Southampton Town can, to decide what this new retail feature will look like, and where it will be permitted.

Not insignificant is the sales tax revenue that the town can then collect — potentially 3 percent on every sale of a perfectly legal product that’s available all around, but also within the town’s borders. And if there is to be a local grow community, it will benefit from the town’s choice to plan ahead rather than denying the inevitable.

In essence, the debate over legal marijuana is over in New York State — it’s a fact. All that’s up for discussion now is who can sell, and where. Southampton Town is ready to talk, and that’s a good thing for everyone.