Binghamton councilors hear equity, enforcement and civil‑liberties concerns at cannabis town hall

Binghamton City Council members convened a town hall meeting Jan. 22 to hear public comment and expert views on a proposed local ordinance to regulate unlicensed cannabis (marijuana) stores; no formal vote was taken. Attendees pressed two main themes: licensed operators and advocates pushed for enforcement to create a level playing field and capture tax revenue, while residents and civil‑justice advocates warned that giving police primary enforcement authority could produce discriminatory outcomes and civil‑liberties risks.

The discussion matters because the city must balance public‑health, equity and legal risk while state licensing and supply decisions continue to unfold. Council members said they plan to return to the ordinance to consider amendments focused on enforcement and oversight.

Damian Cornwell, introduced as executive director of Canny, told the council that the central problem is equity between licensed and unlicensed sellers. “It’s not so much a regulated versus unregulated discussion right now. In my mind, the question is that for a level playing field to truly exist… it’s not really fair that folks that have gone out and gotten licenses to be a regulated shop are paying 21% in federal taxes, as well as a hefty amount of money in state taxes,” Cornwell…