Amenia Soon to Vote on Recreational Cannabis

Earlier this year the “Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act” was promulgated, which authorized the recreational consumption of cannabis with the caveat that individual townships can determine whether they will “opt in” to authorizing cannabis-marketing establishments, or opt out. Throughout the state townships have been deliberating the issue, and very soon comes Amenia’s turn. At this juncture, I highly recommend that Amenia Town Board vote to opt into the program.

In full disclosure, I do not consume cannabis, so I am unqualified to say how lucrative this industry will be in our town. My concern hinges on our town becoming less welcoming to residents who engage in this harmless indulgence. By “harmless indulgence” I refer to the millions of people from every walk of life who on any given day responsibly consume cannabis, causing no harm to themselves or others. It would be acutely disappointing if Amenia – presented with this opportunity to be more inclusive – instead chooses to stigmatize our residents and send them to shop in Great Barrington or other, smarter jurisdictions.

In the weeks leading up to the Town Board’s vote on the matter, please keep in mind that authorization does not equal endorsement, which is to say that our town’s authorization of a cannabis dispensary constitutes no endorsement of its use any more than our sole liquor store’s presence equates to an endorsement of alcohol’s use. Let our residents determine with their own dollars whether the industry will thrive here, or shrivel on the vine!

Daniel Donnelly, Amenia
Dutchess County Libertarian Party Chair

Published on September 29th, 2021 in the Northern Dutchess News