TUSTEN — When voters in the Town of Tusten head to the polls this election season, they’ll see three propositions on their ballot. Two of them are related to the future of cannabis in Tusten.

The New York State Marihuana Regulation and Taxation Act that was passed in March of 2021 legalized cannabis for adult use. It also allowed towns and villages the choice to opt out of allowing cannabis dispensaries and on-site consumption facilities such as cafes and other businesses.

During a public hearing held last November, both proponents and opponents of allowing such businesses in Tusten voiced their respective points of view.
Those in favor of opting out expressed concern about possible health risks and the potential for abuse. Those opposed to opting out rejected the characterization of cannabis as a “gateway drug” and reasoned that the town is missing out on tax revenue.

In November of 2021, the Tusten Town Board ultimately voted to opt out of the state program for licensing cannabis dispensaries and onsite consumption businesses.

The local laws created by voting to opt out are subject to a public referendum.

Last December, enough Tusten residents petitioned the town for a cannabis referendum on the ballot which will ultimately decide the issue.

Due to the way the propositions are written, voting yes means a vote in favor of effectively banning such businesses from Tusten. Voting no means allowing such businesses the opportunity to seek state licenses to open up shop within the town.

Visit sullivanny.us/Departments/Elections to see sample ballots for Tusten and other towns as well as information about early voting dates and locations.