Glen Cove public-pot ban could smoke out a nuisance

Many people walking down a street resent the nuisance of getting hit in the face with the pungent aroma of marijuana as it is smoked or vaped. This is one challenging side effect of the state's legalization of the sale and recreational use of pot in 2021.

Reacting to popular irritation with the widespread waft, the Glen Cove City Council voted unanimously last week to ban smoking or vaping cannabis in a full range of public spaces. The new ordinance takes effect next month for roadways, sidewalks, parking garages and beaches. While neighboring jurisdictions have pot restrictions, Glen Cove’s are the most comprehensive so far.

Police officers will be authorized to ticket violators. First offenses can be fined up to $100 and subsequent offenses up to $250.

The six-member council is evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck spoke for many constituents when she said, "People don't want to be breathing in marijuana smoke. They don't want their children exposed to it."

It's not just odor but toxicity. Health experts say secondhand cannabis smoke, even outdoors, has many of the same noxious and carcinogenic chemicals as tobacco smoke — plus the psychoactive THC.

Some residents objected that the bill did not also target tobacco smokers. One of the bill’s supporters, Daniel Oliva, 34, said he was open to adding more restrictions for cigarette smoke in public places. That sounds reasonable if the goal is to placate those who see a double standard.

As with any new law, adjustments and tweaks might become desirable once the city gains experience with the ban. Marijuana smokers may still indulge on private property, including their own yards. But City Councilwoman Marsha Silverman noted that many apartments in the city bar smoking of any kind inside. She suggested that in the future, the council could discuss the prospect of designated areas for smoking marijuana.

Civil libertarians who reflexively oppose crackdowns of various kinds often warn of biased enforcement or compromised rights. In this instance, some residents warn that the legal change would create a mere "money grab" rather than deter annoying or transgressive behavior as advertised.

But no tangible problem with the coming ban is evident yet. The ordinance can always be adjusted if necessary.

Restrictions on the public use of cannabis are similar to common ones that apply to alcohol consumption. Decriminalizing the marijuana laws was necessary, but that doesn’t mean anything goes, whether it’s using pot on the beach or while driving a vehicle.

Next door to Glen Cove, the Town of North Hempstead, for example, bars all smoking and vaping on town-owned property, including parks, beaches and other public facilities, even without outright barring public use. Ordinances on this still-new issue are a patchwork around Long Island and the state. Eventually, there will be a consensus on the best approach. Glen Cove took a needed first step.