Forms of business that involve cannabis could be allowed in Newton, if the Town Council approves new zoning regulations that would keep such businesses away from residential areas and schools.
The council was presented with a draft ordinance Monday that would have allowed all forms of cannabis businesses, from growing to packaging to sales and delivery, to be allowed on Water and Mill streets and in the T-4 and T-5 zones.
But Councilwoman Sandra Diglio said she was concerned that some parts of those zones were too close to the Newton High School and Halstead Middle School and bordered on residential areas.
In her presentation, Town Planner Jessica Caldwell said that putting those businesses in the light industrial zone would be appropriate and approvals would have to go through the Planning Board which could set down conditions.
Town Manager Thomas Russo said that when he and Caldwell worked on the draft ordinance, they decided to treat cannabis "as any other product or service," and did not look at the moral issues.
He also noted that the administration has not looked at potential tax revenue.