MARLBOROUGH – Businesses in the medical/adult use marijuana field may find it easier to set up shop in the city, thanks to proposed zoning amendments.
Councilor Kathleen Robey presented the amendments during the City Council’s meeting on May 6. She said that while the amendments appeared extensive, they were introduced to update the language within the ordinances; and better define what is and is not allowed.
Robey credited Assistant Solicitor Jeremy McManus for his work on the amendments.
The biggest change is an expansion of what additional marijuana-related businesses would be allowed: craft marijuana cooperative; marijuana microbusiness; marijuana courier; marijuana delivery operator; marijuana research facility; or transporter.
These businesses have been added to the ordinance’s table of uses and condition of uses.
The zoning amendments further define these businesses along with hours of operation.
A special permit would still be required for these businesses, which will be allowed in the industrial and light industrial zones. These businesses would not be allowed to operate within 500 feet of a school or day-care center.
Robey said the purpose of the amendments would be to “fill space with entrepreneurial businesses” in the city.
Councilor David Doucette mentioned the federal government’s recent proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug. That could lead to further changes within the zoning ordinance.
There are currently several marijuana businesses in the city, including Garden Remedies on Boston Post Road East and Kosa on Boston Post Road West.
The zoning amendments have been sent to the council’s Urban Affairs Committee.
