Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act

Dear Editor,

With the passing of the Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA), New York became the 15th state in the nation to legalize adult-use cannabis. Local governments now have the choice to allow retail dispensaries and on-site consumption locations within their districts. Prior to deciding, it’s important to understand the “opt-in” and “opt-out” features.

A community might choose to “opt-in” to dispensaries but “opt-out” of on-site consumption locations. If a community chooses to opt-in to any of the opportunities, the decision will be final as of December 31, 2021 and cannot be changed.

However, if a community chooses to opt-out of any of the options, they can later choose to opt-in after December 31, allowing more time for decision making.

We at the Northern Dutchess Community Coalition strongly encourage our communities to educate themselves about these options. For more information on the effects of legalization of recreational marijuana please visit https://learnaboutsam.org.

Crissy Groenewegen
Agency Director, Council on Addiction Prevention and Education of Dutchess County Inc.

Project Director, Northern Dutchess Community Coalition