Cannabis dispensaries in the City of Auburn can now stay open later, following a unanimous vote by the City Council to update local law.

The change, formally adopted Thursday, adjusts the allowable hours of operation for state-licensed cannabis retailers from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., to a new window of 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

City Clerk Chuck Mason said the update required a formal process because it involved a change to the city’s zoning code.

“Whenever we do an ordinance to adjust the city code, that’s usually a process,” Mason explained on Friday’s FLX Morning News on Finger Lakes News Radio. “But especially when it’s a zoning change, it requires a public hearing.”

The proposal was first introduced about a month ago and later reviewed during a public hearing held in front of the Planning Board. Mason said a small number of residents raised concerns during that stage, primarily about the extended hours.

Despite those concerns, no additional public comment was offered at Thursday’s City Council meeting, where the measure ultimately passed unanimously and took effect immediately.

Mason emphasized that the businesses impacted by the change are state-regulated cannabis dispensaries—not unlicensed smoke shops.

“These are legally licensed and sanctioned through the New York State Office of Cannabis Management,” he said. “They operate very similarly to how a liquor store operates under the State Liquor Authority.”

City leaders also discussed enforcement during deliberations. According to Mason, council members directed city officials—including the city manager, code enforcement, and police department—to ensure the new hours are followed.

“There was discussion about making sure there’s an ability for the city to enforce these hours,” Mason said, noting that officials will be monitoring compliance moving forward.

With the change now in effect, licensed cannabis retailers in Auburn are permitted to operate until 10 p.m. daily.