Natasha Vaughn-Holdridge reports for Columbia-Greene Media that the Copake Town Board voted unanimously Dec. 9 to block the equivalent of liquor bars for cannabis. Last month the town decided not to stop retail cannabis stores. New York legalized cannabis in April, and towns and villages have until Dec. 31 to opt-out of retail stores and/or consumption lounges. Deputy Supervisor Richard Wolf said he favored consumption lounges there, though he voted against them. “I also understand, though, that we need more information, and don’t disagree with that at all. May the same person or business obtain permits for both uses? We don’t know and where would Copake allow an on-site consumption facility to operate? As Jeanne already mentioned, we would have to make changes to the zoning law.” So next door Hillsdale will allow both dispensaries and on-site consumption sites, while Copake will only allow the retail stores. There are also currently many legal cannabis stores across the border in Massachusetts, while New York stores are not expected to be allowed to open until late 2022 or 2023. The Copake Town Board also voted Dec. 9 to create a three-person ad-hoc zoning advisory committee, to report back to the town board with recommendations about what, if any, amendments should be made to the town’s zoning code if on-site consumption locations are to be allowed within the town. Read more about this story at HudsonValley360.com.