Long Island city votes to ban public marijuana use

Long Island city votes to ban public marijuana smoking

Glen Cove City Council voted to ban public marijuana smoking. FOX 5 NY's Linda Schmidt has the latest.

GLEN COVE, N.Y. - The city of Glen Clove has banned marijuana use in public places.

Glen Cove marijuana ban

What we know:

Before this ban, it was illegal to smoke or vape marijuana at parks, playgrounds and beaches across the state. The measure will expand that ban to all public places in Glen Cove.

Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck said the legislation was introduced last month in response to an increase in marijuana use in the city.

SUGGESTED: Many young adults turn to cannabis for sleep—but it may backfire

"You can smoke marijuana in your yard, in your friend's yard," Panzenbeck said. "We just don't want people walking down the street smoking marijuana."

Under the proposal, first-time offenders would face a $100 fine or community service. 

Residents react

What they're saying:

The proposal has residents sounding off online. Some are calling the ban overdue, while others argue the city is overstepping.

"I can understand the drive behind it, I don't necessarily agree with it," one resident told FOX 5 NY. 

"I don't think it should be legalized anywhere," said another. 

Others argued that the ban wouldn't stop people from smoking in public.

SUGGESTED: Trump considers reclassifying marijuana as less dangerous drug: report

What's next:

If it passes, the measure would go into effect immediately. 

A spokesperson for the New York Office of Cannabis Management told FOX 5 NY that the agency supports clear, consistent rules that protect public health, and says communities can adopt additional restrictions if they choose.

The law would be the first crackdown of its kind in Nassau County, and among the strictest in the state.