Is the smell of marijuana really so pervasive in a small Long Island city that they have to institute a law about smoking it in public?
It’s a simple question, but one that drew differing opinions along the streets of Glen Cove.
“You smell it a lot when you go into the city, no doubt. But you don’t have that feeling here,” resident Kathy Sempecos told NBC New York.
The mayor of Glen Cove didn’t exactly agree.
“Our parking garage when we leave every night reeks of the smell of marijuana,” said Mayor Pam Panzenbeck, adding that the smell of pot has been a constant source of complaints.
As a result of those complaints, the city council on Tuesday voted unanimously to create a city code banning pot smoking in public places.
While the ban has supporters, some in the city along the north shore of Nassau County argue that it seems to target weed smokers unfairly.
“If you can smoke cigarettes outside, you should be able to smoke weed outside, too. The same thing,” one resident said.
It also leads to the question: How can Glen Cove prohibit pot smoking in public places when marijuana is legal in New York?
“The state sets guidelines, and we have the right to set our own local guidelines,” Mayor Panzenbeck said.
Starting Jan. 1, police will target violators, issuing tickets with a first-time fine of up to $100. Places that will be impacted by the ban include playgrounds, beaches, outdoor dining areas and sidewalks.
“A lot of times you’re out with your family trying to have a good time and then you smell the smell of marijuana,” said Edward Rodriguez.
The mayor says Glen Cove residents can still smoke in their homes or yards or private property, calling it a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed.
“People don’t want to be breathing in marijuana smoke. They don’t want their children exposed to it,” said Panzenbeck.
The state’s Office of Cannabis Management did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Panzenbeck said she hopes other municipalities will follow Glen Cove’s lead on the matter.
