New York State Fair Reconsiders Cannabis Smoking Policy

The New York State Fair (NYSF) is reconsidering its policy of generally allowing the smoking of cannabis on Fairgrounds during the annual event, according to The Citizen.

Responding to complaints, Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) has called for a review of the cannabis smoking policy implemented by the Fair this year after New York passed its adult-use cannabis bill, which allows cannabis to be smoked anywhere that tobacco smoking is allowed. This year, the NYSF banned smoking in buildings, at picnic areas, on the midway, and in kiddieland. The ban also applied to Chevy Court, the 9/11 and veterans memorials, and the state park at the Fair. But smoking (of cannabis and tobacco) was otherwise permitted “in other general areas that are not prohibited by New York State Law,” according to the report.

“That was an issue this year,” State Fair Director Troy Waffner told The Citizen, referring to the lax cannabis smoking policy.

Moving forward, the Fair’s organizers are considering a few options including designed smoking areas, drafting an outright smoking ban, or doing nothing at all — but Waffner said the third option is not “realistic.”

“I do agree with everybody who said we have to do something to try to control the smoking of marijuana around kids and families because this is a family event.” — Waffner, via The Citizen

The timeline for the Governor’s review is unknown. The 2022 New York State Fair will be held next year from August 24 to Labor Day September 5, returning to its 13-day schedule after an 18-day run this year.