Rochester cannabis law proposes on-site and off-site consumption

On Feb. 23, the Town of Rochester board convened to hear public comment concerning proposed local law B-23, the purpose of which is to regulate the future retail cannabis industry in Rochester. New York state voted last year to legalize cannabis retail dispensaries, as well as onsite cannabis consumption facilities. (A dispensary, like a liquor store, sells its product to take away. "Onsite consumption" can be likened to drinking in a bar.)

Municipalities were invited to opt out of allowing them, but the majority, including Rochester, did not do that.

“Let me start by saying that [anyone in either business] would need a state permit," said town supervisor Mike Baden. "At the moment, the state permits are tied