SULLIVAN — As the members of Congress are considering moves to make cannabis legal across all 50 states, the Democrat continued with its survey of town supervisors on whether they would vote yes or no to opt-out of cannabis businesses in their town.

Among those supervisors who said they would vote to opt-out in part one of our series, one of their concerns was impaired driving. While law enforcement agenies have tools to detect whether someone is under the influence of alcohol, there is currently no roadside test that will show if a person is driving impaired while under the influence of cannabis.

However, in New York State Senate Bill S854A, the “marihuana regulation and taxation act,” a study will be designed “to evaluate methodologies and technologies for the detection of cannabis-impaired driving.”

While the financial impact of cannabis will be felt in Sullivan County in some capacity, lawmakers say that another reason the law has been passed is to help correct the disparity on who was arrested and charged with marijuana possession and use.

A study done by The New York Times in 2018 showed that Hispanic people were arrested on low-level cannabis charges up to five times more than white people. And for black people, that number was 15 times more than white people.

Furthermore, according to the bill, revenue made from cannabis sales will be reinvested in communities that have been disproportionately impacted by enforcement policies, as well as in education and drug prevention programs.

Towns in Sullivan County have to decide by December 31, 2021, whether to “opt-out” of allowing cannabis companies to open their doors within the town.

Here is what some town supervisors said when asked how they would vote if a resolution was in front of them. Please note this is only the supervisor’s thoughts and not reflective of the entire town board.

Cochecton

Town Supervisor Gary Maas said, “The board discussed the topic and it will be on our agenda for this month. There is a lot to consider to determine the right path. We have, I believe, to the end of the year to opt out. Our town lawyer is looking into it. Some of the views brought up is that we have a high school in our town ... Is there really a need in our rural town? We will review and discuss this month. As it stands right now, my tentative view is to opt-out.”

Delaware

Town Supervisor Steve Lundgren said, “I don’t anticipate that legalization will result in any major changes to our way of life in the Town of Delaware in the foreseeable future. I would not vote to opt-out simply because to do so would permanently shut the door on the possibility of receiving any future revenue from the sale of any cannabis products in the Town.”

Fallsburg

Town Supervisor Steven Vegliante said, “I would vote to allow. We will look at reasonable restrictions on use in certain areas.”

Mamakating

The town recently held a public hearing and adopted a local law to opt out of cannabis consumption sites. According to Town Supervisor Janet Lybolt, they voted unanimously.

The local law will be up for referendum during the November 2, 2021, general election.

According to Democrat reporter Samantha Montagna, “They voted to opt-out of permitting establishments to allow smoking and edibles, on-site. This does not affect dispensaries or other sales that may want to come into town.”

Lybolt said, “I have always been pro-business and feel that the town should allow cannabis dispensaries.”

Neversink

Town Supervisor Chris Matthews said, “I personally don’t care if people want to use marijuana for pleasure or health. Like many issues that are currently being debated, I feel it’s up to the individual to choose what’s right for them. As for the other issue, I’m not quite sure its sale fits within my town. That remains to be seen. I look forward to hearing from the folks. I’m easily found around town and I’m always available by phone.”

Tusten

Town Supervisor Ben Johnson said, “At this time I would not have an answer to that question. I would want a discussion with the board and the feedback from the public hearing before making that decision. As a supervisor, although my vote is no more or less than any other member of the board, I find that supporting or not supporting issues before discussion can taint the discussion before it starts, causing members to prematurely take sides and dig in their heels because they feel they are not being heard on their position.”

The Democrat also reached out to the towns of Fremont and Highland but did not receive a response by press time.