To the editor:

In the November 2016 state election, Westport voters approved Question 4 — 52.8% in favor and 47.2% opposed — to allow the non-medical (recreational) use of marijuana by adults in Massachusetts. On July 28, 2017, Governor Baker signed the General Court’s revised law on the subject, “An Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana” making numerous changes to the laws that were approved by the voters.

The newly appointed Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) will be adopting regulations, guidelines and protocols on March 15, 2018, for the issuance of licenses for recreational marijuana.  In order to meet statutory hearing and town meeting notice requirements the Planning Board will be required to develop zoning regulations prior to the CCC adopting their regulations, complicating an already difficult planning process.  

The Planning Board is also looking at the possibility of extending the moratorium for recreational marijuana uses for six months to a year to allow more time to review the proposed CCC regulations and address the effects of recreational use on commercial and residential properties.

To engage the community in the planning process, the Planning Board will hold a public participation meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Town Hall Annex, 856 Main Road.  The board will present general information on the planning process and regulations relating to recreational marijuana.

Local elected officials and members of the community are invited to comment on siting requirements and general issues.  Zoning bylaws and the regulation of recreational marijuana raise novel legal, planning and public safety issues and the Planning Board welcomes you to participate in the discussion.

Jim Whitin

Chairman, Westport Planning Board