On Monday, February 5, the Marion Planning Board will hold a Public Hearing in the Town House conference room, 2 Spring Street, at 7:10 pm for an informational presentation concerning “An Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana” and the necessity for a Temporary Moratorium.
On November 8, 2016, Massachusetts voters approved Question 4 legalizing the adult use of marijuana and the sale of marijuana in retail establishments. On July 28, 2017, Governor Baker signed the General Court’s revised law on the subject entitled, “An Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana” (the “Act”), adopted as Chapter 55 of the Acts of 2017 which addresses the retail sales of marijuana for adult use (new M.G.L. c. 94G, Regulation of the Use and Distribution of Marijuana Not Medically Prescribed).
The law, which allows certain personal use and possession of marijuana, took effect December 15, 2016 and requires a Cannabis Control Commission to issue regulations regarding the licensing of commercial activities by March 15, 2018 and to begin accepting applications for licenses no later than April 1, 2018. Currently under Marion’s Zoning Bylaw, an “Adult Use Marijuana Establishment,” as defined in M.G.L. c. 94G, §1, is not specifically addressed in the Zoning Bylaw. Regulations to be promulgated by the Cannabis Control Commission may provide guidance on certain aspects of local regulation of “Adult Use Marijuana Establishments” including: legal, planning, and public safety issues. The Town of Marion needs time to study and consider the regulation of “Adult Use Marijuana Establishments,” address the potential impact of state regulations on local zoning, and undertake a planning process to consider amending the Zoning Bylaw regarding regulation of “Adult Use Marijuana Establishments.”
Again, the Public Hearing for a Temporary Moratorium will be held at the Town House, 2 Spring Street, Marion, Massachusetts 02738 at 7:10 pm. The public is invited to attend and comment on this matter and may inspect the full text of the Temporary Moratorium Warrant Article at the Office of the Planning Board. Any questions or comments can be forwarded to the Planning Board office at 508-748-3517 or Town Planner, Gil Hilario, ghilario@marionma.gov or 508-748-3513. As your Planning Board, we ask that you attend and share your thoughts at this Public Hearing prior to the Special Town Meeting on February 15, 2018.
For further information, please contact the Planning Board at 508-748-3517 or Town Planner Gil Hilario at ghilario@marionma.gov.