Robert Celt
New Member
Two competing medical marijuana facility companies fielded comments, questions and concerns from residents during an informational meeting Tuesday night at Town Hall.
Attorney Valario G. Romano spoke on behalf of Healthy Pharms Inc. and did most of the talking. Nathaniel L. Averill, chief executive officer, and Paul Overgaag, chief financial officer, were also present.
Robert Lally, chief operations officer and chief financial officer of Natural Healthcare, mainly spoke on behalf of his company. Also present was Sam Barber, one of the partners, and chief security officer Randolph G. Lamattina.
According to Town Administrator Kevin J. Mizikar, potential medical marijuana dispensary locations include 1535 Main St. and 82 Huntoon Memorial Highway.
Both companies said they were looking into home delivery of marijuana.
Addressing concerns about increased crime in town because of a medical marijuana dispensary, Mr. Romano said property value has "sky-rocketed" in Denver, where there are medical marijuana dispensaries, and data show that in communities with dispensaries property values consistently don't go down.
"It's a lot easier to rob a liquor store or Walgreens or supermarket than one of these places (medical marijuana dispensaries)," Mr. Romano said. "Study after study has shown that crime, in fact, does not increase. ... These dispensaries do not contribute to crime."
In addition, Mr. Romano said there is no incentive to go into a dispensary and buy a lot of marijuana to resell because it's same price as it is on the street anyway, so you can't make any money on it. And if the dispensary price was more expensive than the black market, patients would continue to buy marijuana from their "Cousin Vinny" who they have been buying it from for the last 10 years, Mr. Romano said.
Mr. Romano said that if there is an increased cost to law enforcement, Healthy Pharms will cover that cost. In addition, a medical marijuana dispensary will contribute to the commercial tax base in town, he said.
Mr. Lally added that the black market for marijuana in town could dry up and eliminate one element of crime in town. Mr. Lamattina added that if the police chief thought a medical marijuana dispensary would bring an increase in crime, they would not be sitting there addressing the town on this particular evening.
Resident Lisa Cole with her 7-year-old daughter Madison said for the past two-and-a-half years they have been advocating at the Statehouse for medical cannabis to treat the child's intractable epilepsy. Ms. Cole said she travels two hours round trip to get her daughter's monthly supply of medicine and it is very troublesome to do so. She is very much in favor of a medical marijuana dispensary in town.
Selectman Doug Belanger said the town is looking for new business but wants to make it sure it is compatible with the community. Selectmen have not voted on signing a letter of support or non-opposition for a medical marijuana dispensary. They are expected to vote on it before the annual town meeting May 3.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: MA: Two Medical Marijuana Companies Field Questions In Leicester
Author: Craig S. Semon
Contact: Telegram.com
Photo Credit: Brennan Linsley
Website: Telegram.com
Attorney Valario G. Romano spoke on behalf of Healthy Pharms Inc. and did most of the talking. Nathaniel L. Averill, chief executive officer, and Paul Overgaag, chief financial officer, were also present.
Robert Lally, chief operations officer and chief financial officer of Natural Healthcare, mainly spoke on behalf of his company. Also present was Sam Barber, one of the partners, and chief security officer Randolph G. Lamattina.
According to Town Administrator Kevin J. Mizikar, potential medical marijuana dispensary locations include 1535 Main St. and 82 Huntoon Memorial Highway.
Both companies said they were looking into home delivery of marijuana.
Addressing concerns about increased crime in town because of a medical marijuana dispensary, Mr. Romano said property value has "sky-rocketed" in Denver, where there are medical marijuana dispensaries, and data show that in communities with dispensaries property values consistently don't go down.
"It's a lot easier to rob a liquor store or Walgreens or supermarket than one of these places (medical marijuana dispensaries)," Mr. Romano said. "Study after study has shown that crime, in fact, does not increase. ... These dispensaries do not contribute to crime."
In addition, Mr. Romano said there is no incentive to go into a dispensary and buy a lot of marijuana to resell because it's same price as it is on the street anyway, so you can't make any money on it. And if the dispensary price was more expensive than the black market, patients would continue to buy marijuana from their "Cousin Vinny" who they have been buying it from for the last 10 years, Mr. Romano said.
Mr. Romano said that if there is an increased cost to law enforcement, Healthy Pharms will cover that cost. In addition, a medical marijuana dispensary will contribute to the commercial tax base in town, he said.
Mr. Lally added that the black market for marijuana in town could dry up and eliminate one element of crime in town. Mr. Lamattina added that if the police chief thought a medical marijuana dispensary would bring an increase in crime, they would not be sitting there addressing the town on this particular evening.
Resident Lisa Cole with her 7-year-old daughter Madison said for the past two-and-a-half years they have been advocating at the Statehouse for medical cannabis to treat the child's intractable epilepsy. Ms. Cole said she travels two hours round trip to get her daughter's monthly supply of medicine and it is very troublesome to do so. She is very much in favor of a medical marijuana dispensary in town.
Selectman Doug Belanger said the town is looking for new business but wants to make it sure it is compatible with the community. Selectmen have not voted on signing a letter of support or non-opposition for a medical marijuana dispensary. They are expected to vote on it before the annual town meeting May 3.
News Moderator: Robert Celt 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: MA: Two Medical Marijuana Companies Field Questions In Leicester
Author: Craig S. Semon
Contact: Telegram.com
Photo Credit: Brennan Linsley
Website: Telegram.com