New rules released by state regulators in Long Island could allow for dozens of cannabis lounges to emerge. Compared to the first proposal in November, the revised guidelines aim to give consumers quicker and safer access to recreational marijuana. The new rules allow established medical marijuana firms to serve recreational customers within months instead of waiting for years. Dozens of conditional licenses have already been distributed for businesses to open shops on Long Island. Under the new proposal, retailers will also be allowed to open consumption lounges, but the pot bars will only be permitted in the towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, Riverhead, and Southampton. These lounges will need to adhere to policies that deter driving while impaired and overconsumption, and they will need to meet air quality standards. While regulators proposed the idea of cannabis-infused syrup pancakes and other creative ways for consumption lounges to serve their products, they noted that which activities would be allowed would be specified in a separate set of rules. Lastly, medical marijuana firms will face a $20 million fee in installments in order to sell to recreational consumers at one of only three locations. The proposed rules are open for public comments for 45 days.
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