Long Island has become a battleground for cannabis policy
Long Island finds itself at a crossroads when it comes to cannabis. On one hand, it’s home to some of New York’s most successful cannabis dispensaries, which have revitalized communities, generated tax revenue, and become pillars of economic growth. On the other hand, much of the Island remains off-limits to recreational cannabis businesses, with towns like Islip and all of Nassau County continuing to resist the expansion of legal cannabis retail.
The recent public hearing in Islip marks a pivotal moment. The town is reconsidering its stance, which could open the door to regulated cannabis retail. But the hearing itself highlighted ongoing misconceptions that continue to fuel opposition — like fears of increased crime, youth access, and declining property values — despite evidence from legal markets showing the exact opposite. Unfortunately, Nassau remains a complete cannabis desert, with no recreational dispensaries in sight and residents still forced to rely on the illicit market for cannabis products.
While Nassau residents have access to cannabis in neighboring Queens, the lack of legal dispensaries on Long Island results in tax revenue leaving the region. Long Island could be benefiting from that tax revenue — money that could go toward local infrastructure, education, and public health. The best way to eliminate the illicit market is to create a strong, legal alternative.
In many ways, Long Island has become the center of New York’s cannabis debate. Some areas, like the Town of Babylon, have seen the benefits of legal cannabis, with local businesses thriving and tax revenue flowing into the town. Babylon collected $2.6 million in cannabis-related tax revenue in 2024 alone, demonstrating the significant economic impact that dispensaries can have.
Meanwhile, the Shinnecock Nation in Southampton has responded to local demand by opening dispensaries and selling cannabis without the restrictions that local municipalities have imposed. However, unlike state-licensed dispensaries, the Shinnecock are not subject to the same regulations for testing and quality control.
For Long Island to fully realize the benefits of cannabis, it requires local leaders and communities to move past the misconceptions and embrace the opportunity that legal cannabis offers. With the success of dispensaries already evident in parts of New York, it’s time for other communities to see cannabis for what it is: a highly regulated, legal industry that can bring economic growth and job creation to the region.
Long Island has the potential to be a leader in the cannabis industry, but it requires open-minded thinking and support from local leaders. It’s time to bring cannabis into the light and embrace the economic, public health, and safety benefits it offers.
It’s crucial that we move beyond misconceptions and embrace a thoughtful, regulated approach to cannabis retail. The benefits are clear: Legal dispensaries drive economic growth, create jobs, reduce reliance on the illicit market, and ensure that cannabis products are safe and tested. But to realize this potential, local governments must act now and allow their communities to benefit from the opportunities that legal cannabis can provide.
Long Island’s cannabis story is still unfolding, and the choices made by local governments in the coming years will shape the region’s future. It’s time for Long Island to come together and take advantage of the opportunities that responsible cannabis retail offers — creating jobs, boosting local economies, and ensuring safe access for all.
This guest essay reflects the views of Sean and Joe Lustberg, co-founders of Mottz Green Grocer, a cannabis retail business dedicated to bringing safe, regulated cannabis to Long Island communities.
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