Neighbors in Bay Ridge rallied against another cannabis dispensary opening in their area.
The rally on Third Avenue took place on Monday, in opposition of what would be Brooklyn’s 10th dispensary.
“You know, smoking outside, smelling it, it just doesn’t belong in the neighborhood,” said Bay Ridge resident Stella Zdeb.
The vacant storefront on Third Avenue could turn into another dispensary if approved by the state Office of Cannabis Management. The idea was rejected recently by the local community board, and many say they’re concerned about the exposure of marijuana for students walking in the neighborhood.
“Marijuana in Bay Ridge? You don’t see that every day. It’s a great neighborhood and they’re right here trying to ruin it for us, putting it in our neighborhood,” said local student Amin.
While some in the Bay Ridge community are against this potential new dispensary, others say it’s the community’s responsibility to make peace with the budding industry how they see fit.
“It’s not some terrible thing,” said resident Giovanni Taveras. “This is a public space, a public sidewalk… you can buy food that smells good outside the restaurant but you’re not going to complain that the inside of the restaurant smells good,