Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
David Alper, chairman of the Belmont Board of Health, discussed the implications of the recreational marijuana law that passed in November's election at the Dec. 12 selectmen meeting. Belmont voted 53 to 47 percent to approve Ballot Question Four in the November general election.
"We have to start the ball rolling quickly on its implementation before January 2018, otherwise Belmont will not be able to control the number of marijuana stores that can open and operate," he said.
In particular, Belmont needs to address the issue of edibles, marijuana packaged as candy or other appealing foods that may encourage their consumption by children. "The law does not restrict edibles," he said.
Consequently, if Belmont wants to control the process it has to come before the community for a vote in the November 2017 elections. That means an article will need to be drafted in time for a vote in the April 2017 Town Meeting.
Given the time constraints and the complicated issues involved with its implementation, "Belmont could vote for a moratorium, postponing implementation similar to the one the town of Ashland recently passed," he said.
The selectmen agreed that prompt action is necessary.
Chairman Mark Paolillo said "a task force or committee should be created that includes the Planning Board, the police and several other Belmont stakeholders."
Selectmen Jim Williams said that Belmont "will be able to charge marijuana stores a 2 percent sales tax on marijuana purchases," adding that even though voting yes on Ballot Four, he was "concerned about the potential legal ramifications for Belmont because marijuana sales and consumption is prohibited by federal law."
This obviously is a question that needs to be addressed by the task force which David Kale said should include Town Counsel George Hall. Town Administrator David Kale added that "State Senator Brownsberger should be involved in this process so that we can understand how the state of Massachusetts is dealing with the implementation of recreational marijuana."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Implementing The Marijuana Law In Belmont
Author: Jack Kelly
Contact: 781-674-7723
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Wicked Local Belmont
"We have to start the ball rolling quickly on its implementation before January 2018, otherwise Belmont will not be able to control the number of marijuana stores that can open and operate," he said.
In particular, Belmont needs to address the issue of edibles, marijuana packaged as candy or other appealing foods that may encourage their consumption by children. "The law does not restrict edibles," he said.
Consequently, if Belmont wants to control the process it has to come before the community for a vote in the November 2017 elections. That means an article will need to be drafted in time for a vote in the April 2017 Town Meeting.
Given the time constraints and the complicated issues involved with its implementation, "Belmont could vote for a moratorium, postponing implementation similar to the one the town of Ashland recently passed," he said.
The selectmen agreed that prompt action is necessary.
Chairman Mark Paolillo said "a task force or committee should be created that includes the Planning Board, the police and several other Belmont stakeholders."
Selectmen Jim Williams said that Belmont "will be able to charge marijuana stores a 2 percent sales tax on marijuana purchases," adding that even though voting yes on Ballot Four, he was "concerned about the potential legal ramifications for Belmont because marijuana sales and consumption is prohibited by federal law."
This obviously is a question that needs to be addressed by the task force which David Kale said should include Town Counsel George Hall. Town Administrator David Kale added that "State Senator Brownsberger should be involved in this process so that we can understand how the state of Massachusetts is dealing with the implementation of recreational marijuana."
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Implementing The Marijuana Law In Belmont
Author: Jack Kelly
Contact: 781-674-7723
Photo Credit: None Found
Website: Wicked Local Belmont
