CONWAY — After nearly half a year, amendments to Roaring Glen Farms’ permit for a recreational marijuana cultivation facility have been tentatively approved by the Planning Board, pending review by town counsel.

The company, which was issued a special permit in March 2020 to operate a marijuana cultivation facility at 40 Whately Glen Road, has been seeking a waiver from section 11.5R of the town’s bylaws since June as the business is seeking to operate as a cooperative farm. The Planning Board had held off on approving the waiver or any permit amendments due to concerns about the town’s role in allowing who can become an investor or member of a co-op.

The bylaw states a special permit will expire if more than 10% of ownership is transferred. Currently, the farm is owned by John Moore and Lisa Gustavsen, who own 51% and 49% of the farm, respectively, but portions of that ownership would be transferred as people sign on as members of the co-op.

To alleviate those concerns, associate Planning Board member Joe Strzegowski — who is a voting member on the matter — drafted an amendment to the special permit, which would require Roaring Glen Farms to present a certificate of the direct and indirect stakeholders of the farm each year to both the Selectboard and Planning Board.

“What I ask for is not a very strong control,” Strzegowski said Thursday. “People are going to want to know how many people are working. … I don’t think that should be a big burden on them.”

An excerpt from Strzegowski’s amendment reads, “The Planning Board finds that the requirements of Section 11.5R impose an unusual and unique burden on a craft marijuana cultivator organized as a cooperative. … (Roaring Glen Farms) shall annually provide the Conway Selectboard and Planning Board with certification of compliance.”

With these terms, Strzegowski and fellow board members loosened their stance on wanting to have a say when it comes to who becomes a member of the cooperative. The state Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) already does background checks and verifies potential stakeholders. Instead, the revisions aim to ensure the farm remains as a cooperative.

“It’s not about the character of the people, we’re going to leave that to the state,” Strzegowski said. “The Planning Board needs to be sure the client and the farm understands they must continue to operate as a co-op. My proposal is based on trying to put more teeth into the co-op.”

Attorney Tom Lesser, representing Roaring Glen Farms LLC, said these terms work for his client and he is hopeful the amendments can be approved as fast as possible.

“I think it would be appropriate and acceptable,” he said. “We’re happy to give you the names in a certificate.”

The other members of the Planning Board agreed with Strzegowski’s amendments and unanimously approved sending the draft to town counsel for formal review. The Planning Board intends to vote at its next remote meeting on Jan. 6. at 7 p.m.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.