Nassau, Suffolk county executives plan to opt out if New York legalizes pot

Both county executives of Nassau and Suffolk say they will consider opting out of marijuana sales if the state legalizes the drug's recreational use among adults.

News 12 Staff

Mar 13, 2019, 9:47 PM

Updated 1,878 days ago

Share:

Nassau, Suffolk county executives plan to opt out if New York legalizes pot
Both county executives of Nassau and Suffolk say they will consider opting out of marijuana sales if the state legalizes the drug's recreational use among adults.
Ten states, plus the District of Columbia, have legalized recreational marijuana. New York state could soon be next, but Nassau and Suffolk's county executives say they'll be encouraging their local lawmakers to opt out of the program if and when it's approved.
Nassau Executive Laura Curran brought up her opposition to legal pot sales during her State of the County address Tuesday night. She says she doesn't believe it's the right time to sell the drug in Nassau.
Suffolk Executive Steve Bellone is now also saying he thinks his county should also opt out, although he plans to revisit the issue in a year.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo had originally said he wanted to include legalization in the state budget due April 1, but he now says that timeframe is unrealistic. Legislation is still being drafted, and he says local governments should have the final say.
The Medical Society of the State of New York applauded the opt-out decision. It is encouraging other county executives across the state to consider similar opt outs if the state does legalize recreational marijuana.


More from News 12
1:48
Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

Meeting held over next steps for cleanup at Bethpage Community Park

1:02
Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

Temps below average for the weekend with possible showers

0:20
Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

Sam Ash Music announces closure of all store locations

2:15
EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

EXCLUSIVE: Gov. Hochul talks retail theft, bail reform during visit to Lindenhurst

1:39
Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

Runners are lacing up for the Long Island Marathon Sunday. Click here to see which roads will close to traffic

1:56
JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

JAC Shack gives BOCES students chance to work at restaurant

2:39
Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

Deer Park man heads to Washington DC to raise awareness about Alzheimer's disease

0:20
Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

Police: 13-year-old robbed at knifepoint on soccer field of Turtle Hook Middle School

0:25
Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

Garbage truck driver indicted for 2023 fatal crash in Hauppauge

2:19
Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

Campus police on standby following pro-Palestinian protest arrests at Stony Brook University

0:19
Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

Man wanted for stealing package worth $6,000 from East Northport home

0:59
New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

New York to raise minimum award for tuition assistance program, expand eligibility

1:44
The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

The Real Deal: Now may be the time for a job change

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

2:11
Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

Garden Guide: Is it safe to plant your summer garden?

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

9 Long Island health care providers earn highest safety rating on Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade

0:35
Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

Mets foundation partners with America's Vet Dogs to raise future service dog

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

2:22
Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts

Do you constantly reuse the same username and password? 6 steps to help safeguard your online accounts