The Binghamton City Council convenes to discuss the proposed cannabis enforcement law.
The Binghamton City Council has postponed a vote on a proposed cannabis enforcement law aimed at curbing illegal cannabis sales. The delay comes amid concerns from community members and council members regarding the law’s implications. The legislation, introduced by Mayor Jared Kraham, seeks to enhance local enforcement against illegal sales, which have become increasingly prevalent in the area. Supporters believe the law will create a fairer marketplace for legal dispensaries, while opponents raise questions about its effectiveness and potential backlash from constituents.
Binghamton – The Binghamton City Council has postponed a vote regarding a new cannabis enforcement law proposed by Mayor Jared Kraham, which is aimed at addressing rampant illegal cannabis sales in the area. The decision to delay the vote comes amid growing concerns expressed by community members and city council members regarding the implications and effectiveness of the proposed legislation. As of May 7, 2025, the council has not yet made a decision on the law.
The cannabis enforcement law, introduced on October 22, 2024, seeks to empower the Binghamton Police Department to crack down on illegal cannabis sales prevalent in convenience stores and sticker shops throughout the city. Currently, the New York State Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) is responsible for conducting operations to shut down these illegal sales, using methods that include product seizures and issuing notices of violation. However, Mayor Kraham argues that local enforcement is necessary to effectively combat the issue, citing recent incidents where underage individuals required hospitalization due to consuming illegally sold cannabis products.
During a Municipal and Public Affairs Committee meeting held in mid-March 2025, council members discussed the proposed law and explored the development of a public education plan focused on illicit cannabis sales. A public information session on March 31 provided an opportunity for community members to voice their opinions regarding the enforcement law. This session highlighted the divided perspectives on the issue, with some residents expressing support for the law, while others raised concerns about its potential consequences.
Supporters for the law, including local dispensary owner Damien Cornwell, believe that stricter enforcement will benefit the community, legal cannabis dispensaries, and taxpayers by creating a more level playing field for businesses that comply with state regulations. The legal retail cannabis market in Binghamton is growing; a new dispensary, FlynnStoned Cannabis Company, is set to open soon at 1139 Upper Front Street, marking its third operation following previous openings in Syracuse and Oswego. Dragonfly Brands also plans to establish a cannabis manufacturing facility at 1247 Upper Front Street.
Opposition to the proposed law includes concerns raised by Council member Nate Hotchkiss, who argues that the law may not be well-received by constituents and council members. He describes it as a misdirected attempt to address deeper issues related to cannabis sales. Hotchkiss advocates for better accessibility to licensing at the state level for legal dispensaries, suggesting that enforcement-first approaches may not be the most effective solution to the current challenges faced by the cannabis market in Binghamton.
Binghamton dispensaries must comply with state regulations and contribute tax revenue to public programs—a benefit not provided by unlicensed shops. As the local cannabis landscape evolves, the City Council’s ultimate decision on the proposed legislation will significantly impact the community, law enforcement, and the legal cannabis economy. Ongoing debates surrounding the enforcement law raise important questions about public health, community safety, and the future of cannabis sales in the city.
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