By Tom Ossa
STONY POINT NY – Rockland County, like much of New York State, will be slowly adjusting to a new reality in the coming years—one where the direct shipping of alcohol and cannabis is now legal.
Last Sunday, before leaving for Chicago to attend the Democratic National Convention, Governor Kathy Hochul quietly signed a bill that officially allows consumers in New York State to have “spirits, cider and mead” delivered directly to people’s doors.
The shift marks a final and significant departure from the restrictions of the past. While the delivery of wine was allowed even before the COVID-19 pandemic, nothing else was. You had to travel to an authorized retailer for much of your alcohol, and to an “unauthorized” retailer for your Mary Jane. (Apparently, that’s in a song somewhere…)
During COVID, the laws for alcohol delivery were loosened. You could order beer and cider from your local retailer. And in 2021, New York State legalized recreational use of cannabis, and created a roadmap for dispensaries to (eventually) be able to deliver direct to consumers.
The Legislative Shifts
After signing the new alcohol delivery legislation, Hochul released a statement, “This legislation levels the playing field, allowing these small producers to reach new markets and foster economic growth across the state. With this new law, we are ensuring that New York remains a national leader in craft beverages, continuing to support our local businesses, tourism, and agriculture.”
Prior, in 2021 – New York State (then under Governor Andrew Cuomo) crafted and enacted a law that allows for the consumption of marijuana in New York State, albeit with controls. The primary motivation was money. The state had seen enough evidence in places like Colorado to show that the legalization of cannabis was a tax boon, and started crafting legislation to have a similar industry in New York.
While these moves are being celebrated by retailers and consumers alike for convenience and economic potential, they also have raised concerns.
The Coalition for Responsible Alcohol Shipping (C.R.A.S.H), led by former New York City Sheriff (and former deputy director of US Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives) Edgar Domenech – sent a letter in May 2024 to Governor Kathy Hochul, warning that the State Liquor Authority lacks capacity to enforce shipment controls for alcohol and cannabis across New York State. He cited a widespread lack of age verification, which could potentially allow such products to get directly in the hands of kids.
Domenech added “Investigations across the country have illustrated that alcohol shipment to underage consumers without age verification is commonplace where direct shipping is legal.”
Separately, cannabis delivery stores have also seen a long and arduous journey to licensing and permission – with similar concerns being voiced. Only after a disastrous 2-year deployment and numerous countersuits, cannabis stores have started to pop up in Rockland, and – with proper licensing, home delivery is now allowed.
Economic and Social Implications
This legislative change represents a significant victory for the state’s micro-breweries and distilleries such as Stony Point Brewing Company, who can now reach customers more directly to increase their market share.
For local businesses, these changes can potentially signal a boon. The ability to ship alcohol and cannabis directly to consumers opens up new revenue streams and offers a competitive edge in an increasingly digital marketplace. Small distilleries and cannabis dispensaries in Rockland County can now engage with a broader customer base, extending their reach beyond traditional brick-and-mortar stores.
Dave Ludwig, owner of Stony Point Brewing Co., and of the West Haverstraw-based taproom Bricktown Bierhaus, agreed with that assessment, but had a more measured overall response to the legislation. “I think this could help the industry as long as the big guys don’t take advantage of it and overshadow us.”
Delivery licensing couldn’t have come at a better time for Treehouse Cannabis, who on Thursday August 1 2024 celebrated the ribbon cutting of their family store in Nyack. The event was attended by hundreds, along with the Mayor of Nyack Joe Rand. Treehouse – who had gone through the entire complicated New York State process to gain licensing and approval, was ready to address any potential safety concerns, even before they opened.
Age verification in place and a retail center that more closely resembles the lobby of the Rainforest Cafe meets an Apple Store, the newly opened family store on route 59 recently stated that shipping of cannabis is moving along “slowly but surely”.
Owner Seth Marks, in an interview with Rockland News, noted that the process to be approved is a very painstaking one, but worthwhile. “It helped us to get everything we need to get in place to make sure we are doing this right.” he said. “Now we can once again focus on the future.”
The Road Ahead: Safety First
As Rockland County navigates these changes, this reporter believes that the emphasis must remain on safety and responsible consumption. The legal landscape may have shifted, but the risks associated with alcohol and cannabis consumption have not. The state must ensure that these new freedoms are balanced with robust measures to prevent abuse and protect vulnerable populations. Notably, fentanyl use has increased in Colorado exponentially since 2013 – near the time when recreational cannabis was legalized in the state. Perhaps correlation does not equal causation, but in some cases – why take a chance?
Thus, while the direct shipment of alcohol and cannabis presents exciting opportunities for local businesses and consumers alike, it also necessitates a careful and measured approach. Rockland County stands at a crossroads, and as it embraces these changes, it must do so with a commitment to safety and responsibility, ensuring that the well-being of its residents remains a top priority.
Regardless of opinion – consumers and the industry are now gearing up for a reality where it becomes much more convenient to send and receive libations, and if some choose – new sensations.