"If you have no policy, the authority doesn't have anything to consider," said Mr Buchanan.
He said the timeline was critical.
"We could start getting applications in June. You can't move from a point of control forward, but you can move from a point of control backwards."
Featherston ward councillor Solitaire Robertson said it was better to be proactive than reactive.
"We are here to represent the best of our district. As a council, we would be very remiss to not adopt a policy right now, considering the time frame."
Deputy Mayor Viv Napier said at a meeting at Kuranui College last year it was clear people were concerned about the availability of legal highs.
She said parents and teachers had noticed students' schoolwork was suffering. "There was a big concern that things were getting out of hand."
Ms Robertson said Featherston people had been worried about the potential of a legal high shop opening there.
Martinborough ward councillor Julie Riddell pointed out the drugs could easily be bought online, despite a policy.
"It's readily available. It's $25 a packet by courier to your back door within three days."
South Wairarapa is the first council in the region to create a policy, which is voluntary.
There are currently no legal high shops in Wairarapa.
Mrs Napier said Mayor Adrienne Staples, who was not at the meeting, was very much in favour of the policy.
Napier City Council has already adopted a similar policy that resulted in a licence being declined.
The draft policy is now open to public consultation with South Wairarapa residents.
Written submissions can be made to the council and will close on March 14.
Oral submissions are proposed to be heard in April.
