We, the undersigned residents of East Hampton Town, respectfully request that our leadership opt in to permit licensed adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries. This decision would provide our community a safer, more economically sound approach in addressing the challenges of cannabis access. The current unregulated market presents public health risks, and licensed dispensaries would establish guidelines to protect our community while fostering new opportunities for economic growth. By opting in, East Hampton Town has the potential to create a safer environment for its residents, reduce the risks posed by the illicit market, and realize a significant new source of tax revenue to benefit the entire community.

Addressing Public Safety and Protecting Adolescents

Currently, unregulated cannabis is easily accessible within our town, creating an unsafe environment particularly for adolescents. Because these products are purchased illegally, there is no guarantee of safety or purity, and unregulated cannabis can contain harmful and toxic substances that put our young people at risk. Allowing adult-use retail dispensaries creates a safe and controlled regulated market with strict age-verification (21+) protocols and product safety standards, reducing the appeal of dangerous, illegal cannabis.

Cannabis is Already Here – Let’s Regulate It

Opting out does not prevent access; it merely keeps it unregulated and illicit. Choosing to opt in is a more realistic solution that would allow us to harness the current market while implementing guidelines and guardrails to ensure that all cannabis products available in East Hampton Town meet high safety and quality standards set forth by New York State law. This is the clear choice if we want to move forward with a safe and structured future for our residents.

Unlocking Significant Tax Revenue for Community Benefit

Licensed dispensaries offer East Hampton Town a substantial new source of tax revenue. These funds could be directed toward essential community initiatives, such as education, public safety, and youth programs, thereby benefiting all residents. Other communities in New York have chosen to opt in, seeing positive impacts and new opportunities. We believe East Hampton should be part of this progress and benefit from the same financial advantages.

Consistency in Substance Regulation

East Hampton permits the sale of tobacco and alcohol, which have well documented health risks and high mortality rates. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), tobacco smoking-related illnesses cause about 480,000 deaths each year, while excessive alcohol use is linked to around 95,000 deaths annually in the United States. Studies indicate that cannabis has a significantly lower association with severe health issues and mortality than both alcohol and tobacco and even has a wide range of medicinal purposes. Given both alcohol and tobacco are easily available across our town, it’s reasonable to treat cannabis with similar regulatory responsibility, offering residents a safer, legal choice within a controlled framework.

The Time is Now

We have a unique opportunity to come together to shape a better future for our community. With an illicit cannabis market already thriving in East Hampton, it is our firm belief that current arguments against opting in simply don’t meet the standard. Now is the time to come together, make our voices heard, and choose a path that prioritizes the health, safety, and prosperity of our home.

We respectfully urge you to join us by adding your signature to this petition, demonstrating our collective commitment to making East Hampton a safer, healthier, and more economically vibrant place for everyone.

We thank you for your consideration.

 

Sincerely,

Channing Tobin, East Hampton Town Resident

channing.bush@gmail.com