‘The state was never ready’: Staten Islanders oppose opening of legal pot shop

Dozens of politicians and community members rallied on Wednesday to oppose the opening of a legal pot dispensary on Staten Island, citing a lack of transparency from the state’s cannabis headquarters and rejection from the local community board.

NYS Assembly Member Michael Tannousis (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) gathered with parents, education representatives, fellow politicians and others in front of Clouditude at 4034 Hylan Blvd., to oppose the shop’s anticipated opening and demand more transparency from the NYS Office of Cannabis Management (OCM).