HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-15 Planning Board Supplemental Materials (39)
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayors/Managers Coalition
From: Mike Parquette, Comprehensive Planning Manager
Subject: Medical Marijuana Issues
Date: December 12, 2012
At the last Mayors/Managers meeting, some questions were asked and comments were made regarding
the medical marijuana ballot question which was approved by the Massachusetts voters in November. As
a follow up to your discussion, I have put together some information regarding the law for your review. I
would not advocate jumping ahead too quickly to change zoning bylaws or municipal bylaws, or to
propose banning dispensaries as some communities have done. The information I have is as follows:
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Massachusetts becomes the 18 state to legalize medical marijuana
The law requires at least one dispensary in every county (there are 14 counties)
No more than five dispensaries can be located in a county
No more than thirty-five dispensaries statewide (at least through 2013)
In addition to storing and selling, dispensaries can grow marijuana
Patients can purchase and possess a 60 day supply at any one time (not sure what a 60 day
supply means)
Patients with additional qualifying hardships can grow their own marijuana at home
The Mass Department of Public Health is required to establish rules, regulation, and guidelines for
registration of dispensaries by May 1, 2013. The MMA is questioning whether this is a suitable
amount of time.
It is anticipated that the DPH will eventually generate model regulations and bylaws for local
implementation
If you need to craft regulations prior to State guidance, consider a combination of zoning bylaws,
general bylaws, and board of health regulations. Zoning may not be the best mechanism.