Page 45 - Valley Table - Spring 2022

WHICH IS WHICH?
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the psychoactive part of pot that produces a high—it's what made marijuana illegal until last year.
Hemp is a form of cannabis plant with high levels of CBD, and only trace amounts of THC. According to Cathy Parlitsis, owner of Your CBD Store Mt. Kisco, “The hemp plant and the marijuana plant are under the same cannabis umbrella, they’re like cousins.” Conversely, marijuana plants have high THC and lower CBD levels. The plant can also be used to create plant- based packaging, twine, and the seeds are sold as food.
CBD stands for cannabidiol. Extracted from agricultural hemp plants, it must contain less than .03 percent THC to be legal. “People who intentionally seek
out CBD are looking to get healthy, not high,” says Parlitsis. CBD also serves as an umbrella term for other cannabinoids found in CBD/hemp supplements, such as CBG and CBN. All of these chemicals interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a group of receptors that regulate functions like sleep, stress, and more. Be aware of any CBD supplements labeled full spectrum—even though they contain less than .03 percent THC content, “like poppy seeds on a bagel,
it can still show up on a drug test,” Parlitsis says. CBD can be infused into oils, bath salts, and even edible items, like gummies and honey from Hudson Valley Hemp Honey in Mt. Kisco.
Per MRTA law, state taxes from adult- use cannabis sales will be deposited into a NYS cannabis revenue fund. This will first cover reasonable costs to administer the program and implement law, but the remaining will be split three ways: 40 percent to the state lottery fund (used to increase the
total amount of funding available
for general support for schools);
40 percent to a community grants reinvestment fund; and 20 percent to drug treatment and public education.
“Municipalities that opt in [to allow dispensaries and consumption sites], will get taxes from the businesses. That’s going to help taxpayers, and
it will help the cost of living in our upstate communities that have had costs skyrocket over the last couple of years,” Hinchey says.
But the potential benefits go beyond just taxes. Metzger believes “it’s going to be really good for the [Hudson Valley’s] tourism and farm economies.
Our craft beverage industry has
been very successful, and I can see
a similar success for small farms and businesses. Plus, it provides some real opportunities for people who haven’t necessarily had them in the past.”
Senator James Skoufis (who represents areas in Ulster, Orange,
and Rockland) agrees. “With states
all around us moving to legalize, it’s important that New York wasn’t going to stick its head in the sand while our neighbors expanded access and reaped the tax benefits.” In other words, the days of some Valleyites flocking to Massachusetts’ dispensaries that are just over the border are almost gone.
Several citizens are also in favor. Linda W. of Highland says, “I’m all for legalization. Why hide in the alleys? Just do your research.” Tamar R. of Dover Plains concurs, adding that “the state should compensate people who have suffered from incarceration. The war on drugs has been a complete
“Our craft beverage industry has been very successful, and I can see a similar success for small farms and businesses.”
failure and has done more harm than the drugs have.”
But, to no surprise, plenty of
people have concerns. Senator Mike Martucci (who represents parts of Ulster, Orange, Sullivan, and Delaware counties) didn’t support MRTA because of a lack of stipulations to measure the intoxication level of drivers. Despite this, he still sees some positive impact. Per his office: “Senator Martucci is in favor of the economic development that will come from responsible companies investing in our region.”
A number of Valley residents we heard from reflect similar concerns. They are looking for clarification on “how much is too much?” and how that will be measured in drivers. Ruth C. of Eldred is primarily concerned with traffic safety. “How many people will get behind the wheel thinking
44 the valley table
march – may 2022
photo left by meghan spiro, styling by sydney thibault