ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) – The first cannabis sales tax numbers for Tompkins County are in.

The county’s lone licensed dispensary on the Ithaca Commons, William Jane, has been open for roughly one fiscal quarter. The tax law in New York for licensed dispensaries dictates that the county receives 25% of taxes collected, and the municipality the dispensary is located in receives 75%.  Finance director Laurie Scarrott breaks down the numbers.

 

Legislator Mike Lane suggests using the money to train law enforcement to be able to detect drug use in drivers. Legislator Rich John agrees, saying the county needs it.

 

John adds that Drug Recognition Expert certification is costly. Legislator Deborah Dawson says a few more quarters of tax collection would illuminate how much they can expect to bring in on average and how best to use the money.