The City of Norwich common council chose to amend the proposed local law, ultimately legalizing retail sale of marijuana within the city. A vote to determine the legalization of on-site consumption establishments will be held on November 1, during a special common council meeting within the regularly scheduled joint committees meeting. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — At last night's common council meeting, council members opened the floor to Chenango County residents to weigh in on the proposed local law regarding cannabis retail sale and on-site consumption establishments, and ultimately decided to amend the law.

Based on public opinion, knowledge of the proposed law and state guidance, and legal advice, council members opted to amend the local law so they would only be voting on the legalization of on-site consumption.

"Currently the motion reads that we will opt out of both on-site consumption and dispensaries within the city. Based on the substantial amount of feedback I've received, I'm going to take the opportunity to make a motion to amend Local Law Number One of 2021, to opt out only of on-site consumption, which will allow dispensaries in the City of Norwich," said Alderman Matthew Caldwell during the meeting.

This means the council will be taking no action in regard to the legalization of marijuana dispensaries within the city. Come the December 31 deadline, the city will automatically be opted in to that portion of the law.

"At this point the way the local law would read, is that it will be only to opt out of the on-site consumption. So we will not be voting on dispensaries, and by default they will automatically be legal," Caldwell explained.