BEMUS POINT — The village of Bemus Point has become the latest municipality in Chautauqua County to opt out of allowing retail outlets from selling marijuana.

The decision was made following a public hearing Aug. 17.

“The discussion was, do we need this in our community?” said Bemus Point Mayor Bryan Dahlberg of retail outlets. “The general consensus from everyone in the room was that, no, we don’t.”

After the public hearing, the Bemus Point Village Board unanimously passed a local law to opt out of allowing adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries or on-site consumption licenses. Municipalities have until Dec. 31 to decide whether to opt out, which requires a local law.

The village now becomes the latest municipality locally to opt out. Others in the south county include the towns of Ellicott, Busti, Carroll and Clymer.

In March, recreational marijuana was made legal in New York state. While towns and villages cannot limit possession or consumption, municipalities can prohibit retail outlets from selling marijuana.

Dahlberg said only one person at the Aug. 17 public hearing wasn’t sure on whether the village should opt out. Everyone else in attendance, including all members of the village board, agreed Bemus Point should move forward with the local law.

“The state has been vague on the rules and regulations,” Dahlberg said of legalizing marijuana and its impact on local governments. “At this point, how can you not opt out? If you don’t know the ballgame, don’t play.”

The mayor pointed out that should the village decide to allow adult-use cannabis retail dispensaries in the future, the board can vote to “opt back in.” However, municipalities have to opt out by the end of the year — with the window to do so closed after that.