Community Corner
Berlin Zoning Commission Takes Aim at Marijuana Regulations
A proposed moratorium would prevent production or distribution of medical marijuana production and sale until more stringent guidelines are in place.
With medical marijuana laws now in place throughout the state, the town of Berlin is preparing to take action to make sure any business related to the growth and distribution of medical marijuana does not adversely impact the community.
The Berlin Planning and Zoning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Berlin Town Hall.
The town is currently calling for a moratorium prohibiting the cultivation, production, or dispensing of marijuana in all zoning districts and future zoning districts in the Town of Berlin.
The temporary moratorium would prohibit medical marijuana business in town as officials set a more stringent set of regulations regarding cultivation or sale of state-approved medical marijuana operations. The goal, officials said, is to prevent adverse affects on the community and recreational use of marijuana.
Southington was one of the first towns in the state to implement a moratorium, putting one in place in September 2012 and holding it until further regulations were approved later that year.
"The goal here is control this before it controls us and I am happy to say we are on the forefront,” Southington Planning and Zoning Commission Chairman Michael DelSanto said following approval of laws.
Southington approved the following regulations:
- Businesses seeking to produce marijuana will be isolated to space within the town’s industrial zones only. No production facility will be allowed within or directly adjacent to a residential or business zone.
- A 1,000-foot separation distance will be required between any proposed production facility and any “sensitive area.” Sensative areas are defined as any schools, libraries, parks or residential properties.
- Distribution of marijuana prescriptions shall be limited to licensed pharmacists within a licensed pharmacy only. These pharmacies may only be located within the town’s business zone.
- A 750-foot separation distance shall be required between any pharmacy dispensing marijuana prescriptions and any sensitive areas.
At the Berlin hearing interested persons may be heard and written communications may be received.
TELL US: What are your thoughts on the proposed moratorium?
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