“After a careful review of the ordinance, I believe that we should make the following amendments to our cannabis ordinances,” Bhalla said.
The mayors recommended changes are:
Capping the number of dispensaries (medical and recreational) to a maximum of six and a maximum of three in each of the citys six wards.
- Enacting a noticing requirement for any resident within 200 feet of a proposed dispensary for an initial Cannabis Review Board hearing. Currently, applicants are only required to give notice prior to a Planning Board hearing.
- Bhalla said, “A resident also brought to my attention that while a dispensary is prohibited from being located on the same block of a school, it could be located on the adjacent block. As a result, I also propose that any dispensary be prohibited from being located within 750 feet of any school or early childhood learning facility.”
The mayor anticipates the city council will consider the amendments at its upcoming meetings on March 9 and 23.