The Long Island Cannabis Club has opened in Deer Park as the area’s first state-licensed recreational cannabis dispensary, offering approximately 250 products and plans for a delivery service. Community responses are mixed, with some expressing concerns about safety, while the town anticipates using tax revenue for local health initiatives.
The Long Island Cannabis Club (LICC) has officially opened its doors in Deer Park, marking a significant milestone as the first state-licensed recreational cannabis dispensary in the area. Located at 94 East Industry Court, just east of the Tanger Outlets, LICC aims to cater to both local residents and visitors seeking quality cannabis products.
Co-owner Leslie Rodriguez, a licensed massage therapist and one of five local proprietors, emphasized the strategic location’s potential to attract shoppers and tourists. The dispensary features 1,800 square feet of retail space within a repurposed warehouse, employing 15 staff members and offering approximately 250 products. Notably, many of these items come from women-owned and local brands, reflecting LICC’s commitment to community engagement.
The interior design draws inspiration from Long Island’s natural beauty, with epoxy floors mimicking water and skylights laminated with sky images, creating a beach-like ambiance for customers. Rodriguez also announced plans to launch a delivery service in the coming weeks, enhancing accessibility for patrons.
As the fifth licensed marijuana business in Babylon Town and the seventh on Long Island, LICC distinguishes itself by being the sole dispensary in the town located outside of East Farmingdale. This unique positioning is expected to attract clientele from the East End, offering a more convenient option for those seeking legal cannabis products.
While the opening has been met with enthusiasm, some community members have expressed concerns. Valerie St. Bernard, president of the Deer Park Community Association and founder of the Deer Park Drug Prevention Coalition, voiced worries about potential impaired driving. She requested that the dispensary display signage warning against driving under the influence, a suggestion the management agreed to implement.
St. Bernard acknowledged that, although she doesn’t advocate for recreational marijuana, legalized dispensaries provide a safer alternative to illicit drug sales. She emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for Deer Park and neighboring communities.
Babylon Town has benefited financially from cannabis sales, receiving over $1.8 million in tax revenue. These funds are earmarked for constructing and operating a chemical dependency treatment center in North Amityville, highlighting the potential community benefits of regulated cannabis sales.
To maintain consistency among dispensaries, the town has instituted uniform operating hours: Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Town spokesman Ryan Bonner noted that standardizing hours ensures a level playing field and prevents disruptions to community expectations.
The opening of the Long Island Cannabis Club represents a significant development in the region’s evolving cannabis landscape, offering a regulated and community-focused option for consumers.
