Cannabis smoking will be allowed this year at the Great New York State Fair in six designated outdoor smoking areas, fair organizers told CBS 6. Under the state’s cannabis legalization law, cannabis can be smoked anywhere tobacco smoking is allowed.
Cannabis smoking was allowed at the fair last year; however, organizers were reportedly reconsidering the policy following complaints. Earlier this month, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) signed a bill to ban smoking at all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreational centers, and group camps but the measure does not apply to fairgrounds.
Interim Fair Director Sean Hennessey told CBS 6 that fair security will be ensuring people follow the rules and only smoke in the designated areas.
“I’m a father of four. I try to be as health conscious as I can, but we want to make sure people with those habits have an ability to take care of those things while at the fairgrounds.” — Hennessey to CBS 6
Smoking is already banned in all buildings at the fairgrounds and most other public areas on the grounds.
During the fair last year, officials banned smoking in buildings, at picnic areas, on the midway, in kiddieland, the Chevy Court, and the 9/11 and veterans memorials. Following the complaint, Hochul indicated she would review the policy prior to this year’s event.
Live cannabis plants are not allowed to be displayed at the farm exhibits hosted at the fair.
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