Woodstock, NY – Woodstock, famed for its rich cultural heritage and ties to the iconic 1969 music festival, might seem like a natural home for a legal cannabis store. Yet, contrary to expectations, the town currently has no dispensaries. The one applicant who recently secured a license is now embroiled in a contentious dispute involving the town and the state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) over proximity regulations to a house of worship.

Town Without Dispensaries

Woodstock, known for its artistic community and historic music festival, surprisingly lacks any legal cannabis dispensaries. Despite the legalization of cannabis in New York, the town has not yet seen the establishment of such stores.

Controversial License Approval

Melissa Gibson recently received approval from the OCM for an adult-use retail dispensary license at 17 Tinker St., in the heart of Woodstock. Her proposed dispensary, “Plant Meets Public, LLC,” is intended to be located just 150 feet from the Woodstock Reformed Church and near the Village Green.

Local Government’s Standpoint

Woodstock Supervisor Bill McKenna has expressed strong opposition to the OCM’s decision, accusing the office of violating its own regulations.

“It’s horrible. It’s terrible,” McKenna said, criticizing the approval of the dispensary within 200 feet of a church.

OCM’s Response

The OCM maintains that Gibson’s location complies with state regulations. According to an OCM spokesperson, the Woodstock Reformed Church’s main entrance is not on the same street as the proposed dispensary, and therefore the 200-foot distance rule does not apply.

Possible Moratorium on Cannabis Stores

While McKenna supports the opening of a legal cannabis shop in Woodstock, he has suggested a possible moratorium on such establishments until specific zoning rules are established. He is currently drafting regulations to restrict the proximity of dispensaries to houses of worship, schools, and the Village Green.

Definition of a House of Worship

The OCM has argued that the Woodstock Reformed Church does not meet the strict definition of a house of worship due to the various community activities it hosts. McKenna, however, dismisses this argument, noting that many religious institutions serve multiple community functions.

Pastor’s Neutral Stance

Rev. Cari Pattison, pastor of the Woodstock Reformed Church, has stated that the church remains neutral on the issue. She confirmed that the church hosts various community groups, functioning almost like a community center.

“We’re glad people can sell it legally now,” Rev. Pattison said, but emphasized that it is the responsibility of the town board and planning board to determine suitable locations for cannabis shops.

Gibson’s Determination

Despite the challenges, Melissa Gibson remains resolute in her mission to open the first legal dispensary in Woodstock. Having operated Hemp & Humanity, a CBD and cannabinoid store on Tinker Street since 2020, Gibson is confident in her plans.

“I’m not naïve enough to think there wouldn’t be anybody without some questions or concerns,” Gibson stated. She fully expects to open Woodstock’s first retail cannabis dispensary, remaining committed to serving the community and collaborating with local authorities.