CANTON— Canton officials are moving closer to enacting a law that could curtail the operation of unlicensed cannabis businesses in the village.
Officials began considering the measure following reports of public complaints of unlicensed businesses selling cannabis in the village, allegedly circumventing the required taxes and age verification present in licensed dispensaries.
Village Police Chief Ryan Cole reported at the April 16 meeting of the village board that he has sent a copy of a sample local law to the village attorney for review. Board members are currently reviewing legislation passed by other municipalities in New York State to develop a framework for their own potential smoke shop resolution.
A law enacted in 2023 by the city of Syracuse established zoning regulations for the placement of smoke shops and restricted the number of new tobacco licenses that can be issued while grandfathering existing merchants.
While the sale of marijuana is regulated by the state Office of Cannabis Management, the village has encountered difficulty with unregulated shops, including one shop that has repeatedly reopened after being raided and shut down by authorities.
The board has taken no official action on the matter and is continuing to consult with the village attorney before taking further steps.
