Marijuana Establishment / Cannabis Advisory Committee Fact Sheet by Jackie Piques

 6:51 pm  Oct 25, 2021 903 page visits since 8 pm last night  All Time  2029195 Today  903

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Marijuana Establishment / Cannabis Advisory Committee Fact Sheet by Jackie Piques This month, the City’s Cannabis Advisory Commission voted on final rankings for the nine applicants seeking to establish retail businesses in Medford. As set by the City’s zoning ordinance, which was amended and finalized in late 2020, the city may negotiate up to three Host Community Agreements with these establishments, within specified commercial or industrial zones, in Medford. Since medical marijuana dispensaries were approved by statewide vote in 2016, the City of Medford has been working to establish policies and regulations around these establishments as well as the newer regulations for retail businesses. It has been a lengthy process, and there can be and often is confusion around the timeline, regulations, and next steps. This document is being provided by the City as a fact sheet for community use. Currently, City staff to the Cannabis Advisory Committee is assembling the final rankings and information to be presented to the Mayor for consideration. Timeline November 2012: Medical marijuana approved in MA by voters December 2015: City of Medford administration presented a draft medical marijuana ordinance to City Council November 2016: Recreational Marijuana legalized (with regulations) in MA by voters, and an amendment sent to the Medford City Council. Medford voters supported Question 4 with 56% voting in support of legalizing marijuana, with regulations. July 2020: Proposed Zoning Amendment submitted for review to the Medford Community Development Board September 2020: Final Zoning Amendment adopted by City Council November 17, 2020: Cannabis Advisory Committee ordinance adopted by City Council February 11, 2021: Cannabis Advisory Committee holds first meeting March 5, 2021: Cannabis Advisory Committee released application requirements and scoring criteria for the marijuana retail license. April 30, 2021: Applications received by the Office of Planning, Development, and Sustainability from 10 applicants. May 20, 2021: 10 applications presented to, subsequently approved by CAC following staff review. July 2021: Community outreach meetings held by applicants for proposed retail establishments October 13, 2021: Cannabis Advisory Committee voted on final rankings for all nine final applicants October/November 2021: Final rankings and information will be presented to the Mayor Facts TIMELINE CONSIDERATIONS The City of Medford first began consideration of medical marijuana establishments in 2015. When the statewide referendum on recreational marijuana facilities passed, additional consideration was given and a proposal was sent by the City administration to the City Council. The City Council formally voted the proposed zoning amendment out of committee in early 2020, and it was then reviewed by the Community Development Board. Once approved it was formally voted on by the City Council in September 2020. The City administration formed a Cannabis Advisory Committee following its creation by the City Council in late November 2020. Its first meeting was held in mid-February 2021. The CAC held a total of 11 public meetings between February 11, 2021, and October 13, 2021. Final rankings of all nine final applications before the CAC were voted on and are in the process of being submitted for the Mayor’s consideration as of late October, 2021 to early November 2021. HOST COMMUNITY AGREEMENTS Per City ordinance, recreational marijuana establishments are only allowed in districts zoned as “Commercial II” or “Industrial.” Per City ordinance, recreational marijuana establishments may not be located within 500 linear feet of any K-12 school. It is the Mayor’s discretion to accept rankings and to negotiate Host Community Agreements. Per City ordinance, up to three licenses may be granted. TAX REVENUE Per state regulations, the City has the option to establish a 3% excise tax on retail sales from each permitted establishment. In addition, the City may seek up to an additional 3% of gross retail sales as a Community Impact Fee through the Host Community Agreement. The Community Impact Fee, limited to a term of 5 years, is intended to mitigate any impacts from retail establishments. (For example, a community may consider using the Community Impact Fee revenue to offset permitting and inspection costs or to address roadway conditions as a result of increased traffic to the area.) COMMUNITY BENEFITS In addition to tax revenue, applicants may offer additional community benefits. Some current applicants, for example, have offered to build a community center, to make their exterior walls available for public art, or to donate additional funding to local nonprofit organizations. Medford city services are available to all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, age, language ability, economic situation, or immigration status. Jackie Piques | October 25, 2021 at 4:01 pm | Categories: Uncategorized | URL: https://www.medfordma.org/?p=28395

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