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Using marijuana in public is likely going up in smoke for one Nassau County community.
Tonight, the Glen Cove City Council is expected to vote on a law amendment that would prohibit people from smoking or vaping marijuana in all public places within city limits.
This includes any public street, sidewalk, parking garage or lot, beach, recreational area or outdoor common area, among a long list of restricted places, according to proposed Chapter 80.
"I don't like the smell and it's disgusting," Bayville resident Jennifer Consolazio said. "I think they should ban it in public.
It's the latest effort by a municipality on Long Island to push back after New York State legalized recreational marijuana in 2021.
In May 2021, the Nassau County Legislature approved a measure that banned marijuana use at county-owned facilities, but Glen Cove Mayor Pam Panzenbeck told News 12 she believes the city would be the first in Nassau County to implement this type of restriction on smoking cannabis in public spaces.
“If they want to do that, they should do that in their own space," Glen Cove resident Sean Douglas said. "I don’t think other people should have to be impacted by that smoke.”
A city spokesperson told News 12:
"Glen Cove's proposed Chapter 80, developed with input from the SAFE Coalition, aims to protect our community's quality of life by banning smoking and vaping marijuana in outdoor public spaces such as streets, sidewalks, parks, and open private businesses. This proposal responds to concerns from parents and residents who have privately asked police officers for help because they can smell marijuana smoke near children, on ballfields, and in neighborhoods. It is important to clarify that the law does not ban the use of marijuana inside private homes or for registered medical cannabis patients following state guidelines in appropriate settings. Similar to Huntington Town, which has enacted bans on public consumption to address these issues in unincorporated areas, Glen Cove is expanding protections citywide to ensure safe, family-friendly spaces for all residents. The public hearing process opened on November 25 and will resume on December 9, it will be voted at this meeting."
Currently, state law allows people to smoke or vape cannabis in most places where they can also use tobacco. Landlords are still allowed to ban smoking both tobacco and cannabis in apartment buildings, but unlike using cigarettes, driving while high or impaired by cannabis is illegal.
In addition to cars, cannabis cannot be smoked in hookah or cigar bars, businesses, restaurants, including patios, federal property, most public state parks, as well as on beaches.
A spokesperson for the state Office of Cannabis Management told News 12:
"The Office of Cannabis Management supports clear, consistent rules that protect public health while ensuring that cannabis is regulated the same as all lawful smoking activities. We continue to work with communities to help them understand the governing framework and their authority within it. The Clean Indoor Air Act outlines New York State's standards for where smoking is and is not permitted. Local governments may, however, adopt additional restrictions on smoking in public spaces."
The law would carry fines between $100 and $250 or community service and the Glen Cove Police Department will have the authority to enforce it by issuing tickets.
The proposal has drawn strong reactions from residents on both sides of the issue, with many supporting the ban over concerns about the constant smell of marijuana in their neighborhoods, while others feel it goes too far beyond what the state already prohibits.
“I think it’s a personal issue, a personal decision and if they want to do it, it’s legal, can’t stop it," Glen Cove resident Jennifer Dobies said. "Not saying I like it, but.”
Public comment is scheduled to continue at tonight's meeting at Clen Cove City Hall at 7:30 p.m.
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