Up In Smoke

Recreational Cannabis Sales on Hold

The Town of Stratford Planning Commission, at its January 18^th meeting, voted to recommend a temporary moratorium on recreational cannabis sales. The issue will be sent to the Zoning Commission, who are expected to discuss the moratorium proposal during their January 26^th meeting. If the Zoning Commission approves it will send a formal proposal back to the Planning Commission for review.

Stratford is allowed to have up to two facilities based on its population. Town Planner Susmitha Attota, noted that the Planning Commission has three options:

1. To end the existing regulations;
2. place a moratorium to determine how it evolves;
3. or ban such facilities in Town with legitimate reasons.

James Olsen, a member of the Stratford Partnership for Youth and Families, which has historically worked to limit marijuana consumption among Stratford youth, said he favored placing the decision in the hands of Stratford voters. The CT bill allows a local referendum on whether or not to allow the sale of marijuana,” he said. “To qualify for the ballot, 10 percent of voters must sign a petition. So that’s another thing that could be done.”

Attota explained that the Zoning Commission is looking for Planning Commission input regarding logistical information such as impact and location. She added that it could be further explored in the Plan of Conservation Development (POCD) if members choose a moratorium.

Planning Commissioners O’Connor and Aurelia recommended seeking input from Town boards, departments, BOE, and local community groups as well as public hearings to determine the impact these facilities this would have on the Town. Commissioner Boyd seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) in an announcement posted on January 4^th stated that it will begin accepting applications for certain adult-use cannabis establishment license types in 30 days, following the Social Equity Council’s final approval of technical assistance plans. The Department is also announcing the number of licenses that will be available for each adult-use cannabis establishment type in the first lottery round.

The process to become a cannabis store is not inexpensive.  It is unknown at this time if anyone in Stratford has expressed an interest in opening a Cannabis Store.  It also should be noted that studies to date have indicated that the sales of cannabis products would be lucrative for store owners as well of Stratford who would benefit from tax dollars.