By Joan F. Simoneau, Community Reporter
Marlborough – The City Council approved zoning regulations for medical marijuana treatment centers at its Aug. 25 meeting. The council approved the measure at the recommendation of the Urban Affairs Committee which had conducted a thorough study for the past several months. Under the provisions of the new zoning law, all treatment facilities and growing centers will be restricted to industrial areas in the city.
Every effort was made to eliminate areas where children and seniors congregate, according to Urban Affairs Committee Chair Joseph Delano.? Among the restrictions are that centers cannot be established within 1,000 feet of schools, recreational facilities, parks, elderly housing facilities and retirement communities. They are also prohibited within 5,000 feet of a narcotic detoxification center.? A special permit is also a requirement.
In June 2013 the City Council declared a one-year moratorium on establishing medical marijuana treatment centers in the city. The centers acquire, cultivate, possess processes (including development of related products such as food, tinctures, aerosols, oils or ointments), transfer,? transport, sell, distribute, dispense, or administer marijuana products containing marijuana, related supplies, or educational materials to qualifying patients or their personal caregivers.
