Islip delays vote on legal cannabis dispensaries amid heated debate
The Islip Town Board voted this afternoon to table amending its 2021 opt-out of the New York Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act.
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The debate over whether the Town of Islip should join New York’s recreational cannabis program drew strong reactions Tuesday, but town board members ultimately decided to delay a decision.
During a meeting at Town Hall, residents packed the room to weigh in on a resolution that could have made Islip the latest Long Island community to allow legal cannabis dispensaries. But instead of voting, the board opted to table the measure, citing concerns over the presence of illegal cannabis shops and a desire to address those first.
The public comment portion of the meeting revealed deep divisions within the community. Supporters of the proposal pointed to neighboring towns that have already opted into the state’s cannabis program and are reaping the benefits of added tax revenue.
“Islip residents deserve access to this legal industry and communities to benefit from the revenue and safety it will create,” said Gharey Ovalle of the Long Island Cannabis Coalition.
Opponents, however, warned of potential health and safety risks.
“I don’t think we should approve anything that causes disease or damage to citizens,” said Lawrence Donohue of West Islip. “I’ve spoken to many people who feel marijuana is a gateway drug. It’s well known to be a gateway drug.”
New York State legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, but municipalities were given the option to opt out of allowing dispensaries. Several towns on Long Island chose to do so, though some, like Babylon, Brookhaven and Riverhead, have chosen to opt in.
For now, Islip will remain on the sidelines of the legal cannabis market — though the issue is far from settled.
The town board has not indicated when they might revisit the resolution.
