Katelyn Baker
Well-Known Member
Newburyport – A majority of voters statewide this year approved making recreational marijuana legal, but city officials say they are proceeding cautiously as they plan for the increased use of pot.
The measure went into effect Dec. 15, and the initial planning meeting to deal with its use recently took place.
Mayor Donna Holaday told a recent meeting of the City Council, "Our public safety team held its first meeting on the upcoming legal use of recreational marijuana.
"Many questions remain unanswered and there are gaps in the law that need to be addressed by the Legislature. We also need to update employment policies."
The city had rezoned a remote parcel in the business and industrial park for growing medical marijuana, but that action might have to be expanded.
"Our zoning may need to be amended for medical marijuana dispensaries to include pot shops," said Holaday, in a separate reply to a question. "Additionally, the city must determine if it is interested in restricting pot shops. This may require a referendum vote to restrict or permit this use."
An initial meeting to discuss the recreational marijuana issue included Holaday; City Marshal Mark Murray; Megan Muldowney, the Police Department school resource officer; Andrea Egmont, director of the Youth Services Department; Frank Giacalone, director of public health; and Patricia Moore, Holaday's top aide.
"We met, and we're learning the regulations and what we have to do," said Giacalone. "There won't be retail sales until 2018, but it can be used in the home."
He noted that, under the law, a household can grow six pot plants per adult and individuals can possess up to one ounce of pot.
"Smoking can't be done in a car, and law enforcement officials will work with how to deal with impairment" while driving, Giacalone said.
City Councilor Ed Cameron agreed.
"While we're dealing with this locally, I encourage state officials to continue to work on law and regulation to keep marijuana away from young people and to deal with impaired driving," said Cameron, who chairs the council's Planning and Development Committee.
Giacalone said the state took the lead in the dispersal of medical marijuana dispensary licenses, and he indicated local health officers are waiting for more direction from state officials about recreational marijuana.
Murray could not be reached for comment.
Cameron said, "Obviously, this is uncharted territory for cities and towns. I have not been a part of any conversation with city officials on marijuana, but we'll need to deal with this in 2017.
"I'm open to allowing a marijuana establishment within Newburyport. As to where the best location might be and other regulations, that will need to be discussed and I think public input would be very important.
"In Newburyport, citizens voted 54 percent in favor, 44 percent against, with 2 percent blanks, which is a significant majority in favor," he said.
Holaday said more work is needed, adding, "We are reaching out to other communities through our Beacon Coalition (for youth) and Chiefs of Police organization to identify steps they may be planning."
The mayor said that a second meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Possession of marijuana on federal property is still illegal, city officials say.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Newburyport Preparing For Recreational Pot Use
Author: Dyke Hendrickson
Contact: (978) 462-6666
Photo Credit: Jackie Borchardt
Website: Daily News
The measure went into effect Dec. 15, and the initial planning meeting to deal with its use recently took place.
Mayor Donna Holaday told a recent meeting of the City Council, "Our public safety team held its first meeting on the upcoming legal use of recreational marijuana.
"Many questions remain unanswered and there are gaps in the law that need to be addressed by the Legislature. We also need to update employment policies."
The city had rezoned a remote parcel in the business and industrial park for growing medical marijuana, but that action might have to be expanded.
"Our zoning may need to be amended for medical marijuana dispensaries to include pot shops," said Holaday, in a separate reply to a question. "Additionally, the city must determine if it is interested in restricting pot shops. This may require a referendum vote to restrict or permit this use."
An initial meeting to discuss the recreational marijuana issue included Holaday; City Marshal Mark Murray; Megan Muldowney, the Police Department school resource officer; Andrea Egmont, director of the Youth Services Department; Frank Giacalone, director of public health; and Patricia Moore, Holaday's top aide.
"We met, and we're learning the regulations and what we have to do," said Giacalone. "There won't be retail sales until 2018, but it can be used in the home."
He noted that, under the law, a household can grow six pot plants per adult and individuals can possess up to one ounce of pot.
"Smoking can't be done in a car, and law enforcement officials will work with how to deal with impairment" while driving, Giacalone said.
City Councilor Ed Cameron agreed.
"While we're dealing with this locally, I encourage state officials to continue to work on law and regulation to keep marijuana away from young people and to deal with impaired driving," said Cameron, who chairs the council's Planning and Development Committee.
Giacalone said the state took the lead in the dispersal of medical marijuana dispensary licenses, and he indicated local health officers are waiting for more direction from state officials about recreational marijuana.
Murray could not be reached for comment.
Cameron said, "Obviously, this is uncharted territory for cities and towns. I have not been a part of any conversation with city officials on marijuana, but we'll need to deal with this in 2017.
"I'm open to allowing a marijuana establishment within Newburyport. As to where the best location might be and other regulations, that will need to be discussed and I think public input would be very important.
"In Newburyport, citizens voted 54 percent in favor, 44 percent against, with 2 percent blanks, which is a significant majority in favor," he said.
Holaday said more work is needed, adding, "We are reaching out to other communities through our Beacon Coalition (for youth) and Chiefs of Police organization to identify steps they may be planning."
The mayor said that a second meeting has not yet been scheduled.
Possession of marijuana on federal property is still illegal, city officials say.
News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Newburyport Preparing For Recreational Pot Use
Author: Dyke Hendrickson
Contact: (978) 462-6666
Photo Credit: Jackie Borchardt
Website: Daily News