Bill > S03479

This bill allows municipalities (towns, cities, and villages) to create local laws regulating where adult-use cannabis can be consumed in public spaces within their jurisdictions. Currently, municipalities are largely preempted from regulating cannabis businesses, but this bill specifically carves out an exception for public consumption rules. The bill amends the existing cannabis law to explicitly state that any county, town, city, or village may adopt a local law, rule, ordinance, regulation, or prohibition regarding public places where adult-use cannabis may be consumed. This means local governments will have the flexibility to determine their own specific restrictions on cannabis consumption in public areas, such as parks, sidewalks, or other shared spaces, without needing to seek state-level approval. The change gives local authorities more control over how cannabis is used in their communities while maintaining the state's overarching regulatory framework for cannabis licensing and sales. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage, allowing municipalities to begin crafting their local public consumption regulations as soon as they choose.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3479