A thumbs-up or thumbs-down decision on proposed cannabis pop-up sales is the expectation when the Canandaigua Town Board meets June 22.
In May, board members did not vote on what’s called a Cannabis Showcase Event, except to set a public hearing for that date. The showcase is a new state-approved program that allows for pop-up sales of cannabis products — even in a municipality like the town of Canandaigua that opted out of legislation allowing cannabis sales.
What we know about proposed Cannabis Showcase Event in Canandaigua
Ian Boni, owner of Twisted Rail Brewing Co. and Twisted Cannabis FLX, wants the town to sign off on the events at Star Cider in Canandaigua on select weekends and coinciding with summer concerts at nearby Constellation Brands-Marvin Sands Performing Arts Center, or CMAC.
For the events to be approved, the town must give the OK, and then the state must sign off.
Performances by Teddy Swims, Darius Rucker and the Bleachers at CMAC to open the venue’s 2026 summer season will have passed by the time the board votes, but Boni has submitted as much of the paperwork required by the state ahead of the Town Board’s vote to take advantage of remaining shows.
If the board gives the OK, the state’s approval can be expedited.
Why no Canandaigua Town Board decision in May?
Supervisor Don Cotter said he personally wants to learn more from a medical standpoint and wants to hear more public input, adding this program has been brought up quickly and the board wants to make the right decision.
“The belief is that this is a controversial enough topic that public input should be ascertained before we make this kind of decision,” Cotter said.
What are the rules for a Cannabis Showcase Event?
Here’s what the state has to say about Cannabis Showcase Events, applications for which opened in early May.
According to the state Office of Cannabis Management, licensed adult-use dispensaries like Twisted Cannabis FLX are allowed to partner with licensed cultivators and processors to showcase and sell adult-use cannabis products at locations away from the licensed dispensary premises at pop-up events and places like farmers markets and public markets.
Twisted Cannabis FLX, which has locations in Geneva and Manchester and another that recently opened in Bloomfield, is partnering with Bristol Extracts in the Ontario County town of Bristol.
The permits are temporary, are specific for the approved location, and only allow for events to occur at the approved location for a maximum of 14 consecutive days from the start date of the permit, according to the state cannabis office. A location may be used for more than one event per calendar year but cannot be used for more than 45 days per calendar year.
A self-contained, enclosed trailer with service window will be used and will be physically separated from alcohol service areas at the cidery, Boni said. The state requires the control of entry and exit points with security personnel and staff monitoring operations.
Only those 21 and older would be allowed to enter and purchase products. No free samples would be allowed.
Consumption of cannabis within the showcase event area is prohibited and signs must be posted announcing this prohibition. Consumption of cannabis outside the event area is governed by local laws.
Boni said all laws will be followed.
Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. He can be reached at mmurphy@messengerpostmedia.com. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy.
This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Canandaigua board to decide on cannabis pop up sales
Reporting by Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mike Murphy, Rochester Democrat and Chronicle | USA TODAY Network
