At Riverhead hearing, some residents recommend tweaking cannabis regulations

At a Riverhead Town Board meeting this week, speakers voiced support of proposed code to regulate marijuana sales and consumption in town while also recommending adjustments to the regulations, ahead of next month's vote.

Jack Sheehan, of East Moriches, said during the Tuesday public hearing that Riverhead was "forward thinking" in allowing cannabis sales and consumption sites, but asked officials to consider allowing social consumption lounges closer to downtown districts.

"I appreciate you not banishing this to the industrial districts. You obviously don't want it downtown next to school and kids, but you don't want it in the outskirts in dark industrial districts at night," Sheehan said.

Riverhead in July 2021 opted in to allow cannabis retail dispensaries and on-site consumption sites in town. The regulations, if passed, would permit establishments to operate only in certain sections of town. Those locations include Riverhead's Business Center, shopping centers, destination retail centers, rural corridors, the village center, downtown centers, the Peconic River Community and other business districts.

In addition, retail or on-site consumption establishments cannot be within 1,000 feet of the property lines of any school, library or day care facility. Such sites also cannot be within 500 feet of any town beach, playground or community center, and children’s amusement center.

Riverhead Supervisor Yvette Aguiar previously told Newsday that with the lack of guidance provided by the state on the sale and consumption of adult-use marijuana, the town is taking a proactive approach to regulating it.

Ryan Plona, of Rocky Point, a prospective cannabis microbusiness owner — or someone seeking licenses allowing them to grow, process and sell cannabis through their businesses — said the cannabis zoning was "progressive" and Riverhead will benefit as people travel there for such cannabis locations.

"This is going to change the face of what it's like to go out East. We go out East to go to wineries, to go to farm stands, to go pick up a pie. A microbusiness is the same thing," Plona said.

Anthony DeVincenzo of pro-cannabis trade group The Cannabis Association of New York was among those who suggested amending the regulations to allow selling food at cannabis consumption sites.

Town Councilman Ken Rothwell said the legislation was well-balanced, allowing retail sales and consumption for both customers and businesses while also protecting the public.

"Overall, this is a really balanced legislation that comes into place that protects the public but also makes cannabis readily available through retail sales, locations and consumption lounges,” Rothwell said.

Written comments can be sent to the town clerk’s office until 4:30 p.m. Oct. 28.