WILTON — The Wilton Board of Selectmen on Tuesday discussed local marijuana sales and gave the Planning Board direction for developing guidelines for marijuana-based businesses.
Planning Board member Charlie Lavin attended Tuesday’s meeting to seek the board’s guidance because Wilton has no ordinances or moratoriums for businesses that grow or distribute pot.
Lavin said the legislature is trying to push through a bill that would require communities to “opt-in” and allow the sale, cultivation and testing of marijuana.
Right now, however, Lavin said communities essentially need to “opt-out” and create their own restrictions for marijuana.
“Wilton has done neither, so what direction do you want the community to go?” Lavin asked the board.
Town Manager Rhonda Irish said when Wilton voted in the state referendum, the town turned down recreational use of marijuana by 20 votes.
“So as far as I’m concerned, it’s split 50-50,” said Irish.
Lavin cited Farmington’s policy as an idea. It limits the number of marijuana-related facilities allowed within the town.
Board member Keith Swett asked if they had limited the number of other types of businesses or retail establishments. Lavin said no.
Selectman David Leavitt suggested they restrict the location of the establishments rather than the number.
A resident pointed out that all marijuana-related businesses cannot be lumped together. Some only sell, while others grow and manufacture, and a retail operation may lose an advantageous location due to town restrictions.
Lavin proposed that the businesses be separated into four categories: retail, cultivation, manufacturing and testing.
The retail establishments’ restrictions will be similar to the adult-business zoning table, which dictates where adult businesses may operate.
The cultivation businesses, which Lavin said already exist in town for medical purposes, and manufacturing establishments would have limited agriculture zones or controlled buildings. They would also not be allowed near residential areas.
Marijuana testing, Lavin said, should happen in a lab-type environment.
Once the Planning Board develops official regulations, the board will present them to selectmen. A public hearing will then be called for residents to approve or reject those regulations.
Town Manager Rhonda Irish, left, meets with slectpersons Keith Swett, Jeffrey Adams, Tiffany Maiuri, Ruth Cushman, David Leavitt and Town Clerk Diane Dunham at the selectperson meeting Tuesday night at the Wilton Town Office. (Liz Marquis/Sun Journal)
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