A drug-free cannabis dispensary exhibit in Deer Park may persuade more communities to embrace the real deal, say businesses licensed to sell marijuana.
The Official Dispensary Showroom Tour, a “museum-style” display mimicking how a recreational marijuana shop meets laws and regulations, will hold a free two-day event on July 14 and 15.
The Bronx Community Foundation, a nonprofit that developed the dispensary showroom, will host panels on why older Long Islanders and veterans use cannabis and the economic benefits of recreational dispensaries and pot lounges. Just four towns on the Island have chosen to allow these businesses within their boundaries, though the nine other towns may reverse course at any point.
Hugosbely Rivas Jr., who has a license to open a dispensary on the Island, hopes the showroom will persuade more communities to permit retail and consumption businesses.
“It’s gone very well in other locations,” said Rivas, who helped launch the Long Island Cannabis Coalition trade group. “People should expect to see how a dispensary is run in a very professional, responsible way.”
The Bronx Community Foundation created the exhibit because many would-be entrepreneurs in the borough didn’t know how to go about setting up a