ASHFIELD — In a town that voted in 2016 to legalize recreational marijuana in Massachusetts by a 763-341 vote, Monday night’s special town meeting voters agreed that a nine-month moratorium on marijuana-related commercial enterprises would give the town more time to proactively work out zoning regulations in harmony with the small town’s “neighborhood character.”
Special town meeting voters Monday night agreed by a 26-14 vote, with five abstentions, to support a moratorium through December 2018.
Selectman Ron Coler pointed out that the moratorium would not prevent personal marijuana consumption, as outlined by the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC). But it would give town officials a chance to learn from other communities before accepting pot businesses here.
“It would be a practical thing to do,” Coler said. “We’ll have time to listen to neighboring towns, to educate the population and go into active dialog. We think the process ought to take some time and not be rushed.”
For instance, said Coler, marijuana commerce is not legal in the eyes of federal law; therefore, banks are not handling business transactions. “It’s a cash-only business,” he said. “It means armored trucks and pages of regulations. … How will it affect the town? There could be heavy electricity use for indoor lights; fertilizer and water issues.”
Coler said the town might not want testing labs or large marijuana cultivators, but might want small growers or artisanal products.
Rick Smith asked if the town has any zoning policies regarding medical marijuana. He was told the town has never looked at zoning for marijuana until now.
“Co-ops have started already looking for growers,” Smith said. “Why is the moratorium important versus allowing the process to unfold now? We could lead or sit back and get left behind.”
“If we delay a few months,” said Andy Smith, “we’ve basically lost a whole year for our craft farmers.”
Selectman Tom Carter pointed out that the state doesn’t deal with marijuana cultivation as “agriculture” because the U.S. Department of Agriculture is not on board. He pointed out that marijuana can’t be grown on land under conservation restrictions.
Fitzgerald said Planning Board members did not agree on whether a moratorium was necessary — and didn’t think it was very important, because they are proposing a bylaw to require a special permit for all marijuana establishments.
“This whole issue is moving,” said Selectboard Chairman Todd Olanyk. “The Cannabis Control Commission isn’t settled on a lot of issues,” he said, naming cannabis cafes and home delivery, among others. “We’re not sure what the impact is going to be. Maybe it will be nothing. We don’t know.”