Tell LINY Leaders To OPT IN on Dispensaries!
We need to spread the word. Despite the fact that cannabis dispensaries have overwhelming support, many have not signed the petition or contacted their supervisors. Many times people are concerned to show their support because they have a job or family and friends that discriminate against cannabis users. Let them know they can put in any name they like and deselect "show my name and comment on this petition" to remain anonymous if they have concerns.
It is imperative you write your leaders today to let them know, in addition to signing the petition, that you will never vote for them again if they opt out of dispensaries and leave us in the past while the world skips ahead into the future. Don't let them rob you of this because they are short sighted and having trouble conforming to new, progressive realities. Here are their emails.
supervisorsoffice@islipny.gov,
clupinacci@huntingtonny.gov,
supervisor@smithtownny.gov,
eromaine@brookhavenny.gov,
jschneiderman@southamptontownny.gov,
aguiar@townofriverheadny.gov,
donclavin@tohmail.org,
bosworthj@northhempsteadny.gov,
josephsaladino@oysterbay-ny.gov,
scott.russell@town.southold.ny.us,
gsiller@shelterislandtown.us,
rich.suffolk@gmail.com
Here is a copy and paste to send to them:
Dear Supervisor,
As we have finally come upon legalization, our town leaders have a choice whether to opt out of dispensaries in their towns. An opt out will result in a referendum being called followed by a vote. If you look at our petition, you will see just how many citizens you are up against if you decide to prevent Long Island taxpayers from enjoying the benefits of local dispensaries. Not only will a vote not turn out in favor of those wishing to opt out, wasting everyone's time and money, but your seat will be criticized and you will be removed come next election cycle. We cannot afford to stay behind while the rest of our state and country embraces the future.
Between life saving medicinal cannabis products to regulated recreational use and the resulting tax revenue, there are relatively zero downsides and absolutely zero reasons why any Long Island town should opt out.
In our comments, citizens have specifically stated reasons why dispensaries are important to them. I suggest reading them and familiarizing yourself with the benefits. Please do not put up a fight. It is better to let this progress happen for if it doesn't it will be because the prejudice against cannabis runs so deep that some of our leaders would rather have it remain illegal in addition to no local dispensaries. That's not the mindset of forward thinking leaders who will continue to be elected to office. Prejudice which will always keep us backward while others skip ahead. Strong Islander's should never be left in the lurch.
Myths: Property values will decrease. Teen use will go up. Crime will go up. Dispensaries are shady places. Only stoners go there.
FACTS: Local dispensaries create healthy economic growth. Property values increase. Teen use goes down. Crime does as well. Local dispensaries are invaluable to people with illnesses such as cancer, epilepsy, ptsd and high blood pressure as they no longer have to scavenge or travel to get their life saving medication. Studies show dispensaries are thorough in ensuring everyone is over 21 and follow strict guidelines for packaging and distribution. They tend to be good neighbors as they appreciate being part of the community.
Search "Debunking Dispensary Myths" for the study this information comes from by Leafly, the World's cannabis information resource.
Cannabis use transcends party lines. You won't be able to rely on your party to continue to be elected after disparaging a large portion of your party member's interests.
Stand WITH US not AGAINST US. And we will stand by you too!
Sincerely,
Erica Scheer