Cannabis and Its Economic Role on the East End | The Sessions Report

Since the recreational use of marijuana was legalized in March 2021, the rollout of the new industry has been erratic. Today, the state is still struggling with creating a legal network of private shops — though Native American tribes, including the Shinnecock, have successfully operated on their own. The Town of Riverhead is expecting a pair of cannabis shops to open in the months ahead, and plans for multiple locations in Southampton Town are underway. What will the final structure of a legal system of cannabis cultivation and sale in New York State look like? And, in particular, how will all of this affect Southampton Town in 2025 and beyond? The Express Sessions hosted a panel on October 24 at Union Burger Bar in Southampton Village with David Falkowski, founding president, Open Minded Organics; Greg Konner, general manager, Konner Development Corp.; Maria Moore, Southampton Town supervisor; Gahrey Ovalle, president, Long Island Cannabis Coalition; and Fred W. Thiele Jr., New York State assemblyman. In this episode of The Sessions Report, Co-Publisher Gavin Menu, Executive Editor Joseph P. Shaw and Managing Editor Bill Sutton play highlights from the discussion and offer further context.