Mattapoisett Planning Board holding marijuana public forum

Nov 28, 2017

The Mattapoisett Planning Board will host a public forum at 7 p.m. on Dec. 11 in the Old Hammondtown School cafeteria to talk about marijuana regulations.

Attorney Katherine Laughman will first give a presentation about “An Act to Ensure Safe Access to Marijuana,” an act signed by Gov. Charlie Baker.

Planning Board members are aiming to have an open discussion about this act, how it relates to Mattapoisett, and how Mattapoisett residents feel regarding the retail sale of marijuana in town.

The state will begin accepting applications for retail marijuana establishments on April 1, 2018. If the town takes no action before then, dispensaries could open up in any area zoned for retail. Options the Planning Board is currently exploring include a temporary moratorium on marijuana establishments to give the town time to draw up bylaws.

The Planning Board urges residents to attend and share their opinions, as timelines are tight. For more information, contact the board at 508-748-4100, ext. 215.