Rochester did NOT opt out of retail cannabis; dispensaries permitted. Several Monroe County towns opted out (Greece, Webster, Penfield). OCM licenses required. 500 ft school / 200 ft house of worship buffers.
Under NY MRTA, municipalities had until December 31, 2021 to opt out of retail cannabis dispensaries and consumption sites. Rochester opted IN - dispensaries permitted under Zoning Ch. 120 amendments, typically in commercial corridors. Multiple Monroe County towns opted OUT including Greece, Webster, Penfield, Ogden, and others. Brighton, Irondequoit, and Henrietta opted in to retail. Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) issues licenses (adult-use retail, CAURD). State buffers: 500 feet from schools, 200 feet from houses of worship (Cannabis Law §72). Hours limited to 8 AM to 2 AM per OCM regulations. Illicit shops face aggressive enforcement following 2024 enforcement law amendments.
Unlicensed dispensary: OCM closure plus $10,000 to $20,000 per day under Cannabis Law §138-a. Buffer violations: license denial. Sales to minors: license revocation and criminal charges.
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