Riverhead’s proposed zoning for cannabis sales or on-site consumption drew mostly praise from speakers at a public hearing before the Town Board Tuesday, with some suggesting that Riverhead is ahead of other towns in terms of setting regulations.
Riverhead, Southampton, Babylon and Brookhaven were the only towns in Suffolk County to opt in on marijuana after the state legislation took effect. Those towns also qualify for part of a 3% sales tax on cannabis.
When the state legalized cannabis last year, it allowed towns that opted in to implement “time, place, manner and saturation” restrictions, as well.
Some speakers said stringent cannabis regulations in Brookhaven Town, which limit cannabis to industrial zones, will drive people to Riverhead.
“Whether you think you’re going to be the cannabis destination or not, I got news for you,” said Brian Pluna of Rocky Point. “You’re it. We’re coming.”
He said this will change the reasons why people travel east.
“I’d like to thank you guys for being forward thinking enough to let this happen,” said Jack Sheehan of East Moriches. “There are not a lot of towns where it did pass it.”
Mr. Sheehan said other towns are watching what Riverhead does.
“I appreciate you not…