By Ginni Spencer
Those opposed to allowing recreational marijuana establishments in the town of Bedford enjoyed a resounding victory at Special Town Meeting on Monday night. All three articles related to prohibiting sale and cultivation of non-medical marijuana were passed by significant margins. It appeared that the unusually large turnout, ultimately requiring four satellite rooms in addition to the auditorium, was largely generated by heavy interest in this trio of proposals.
Article 4 was a proposed Zoning Bylaw Amendment specifically prohibiting “…without limitation, all marijuana cultivators, marijuana testing facilities, marijuana product manufacturers, marijuana retailers, and any other types of marijuana-related businesses…” in the town of Bedford. A two-thirds vote was required to pass the Article and was achieved with 487 voting in favor and 146 opposed.
Article 5 proposed a General Bylaw Amendment which also prohibited establishments in Bedford associated with growing, preparing and/or sales of recreational marijuana “consistent with the majority vote expressed by Bedford residents voting on Question 4 of the November 8, 2016, state election ballot.” This second bylaw, which passed with the required majority vote, is part of a two-pronged approach recommended by the Attorney General’s Office to ensure effective prohibition.
Finally, Article 6, a Zoning Bylaw Amendment, which calls for a Temporary Moratorium on Recreational and Non-Medical Marijuana Establishments, was also passed by a two-thirds majority. Although appearing to be redundant in nature since it talks about how to regulate marijuana establishments which were disallowed by the passage of the preceding two articles, it is a step recommended by the Planning Board (and supported by Selectmen and the Finance Committee.) The legalization of marijuana that passed state-wide in November 2016 also called for the creation of a Cannabis Control Commission to regulate and supervise marijuana businesses. The Commission must promulgate regulations by March 2018. Because it is impossible now to foresee what these regulations and their implications will be, it was deemed prudent to vote for a Moratorium as a “belt and suspenders” action to ensure that Bedford will have sufficient time to engage in a planning process that will prepare the town for any eventuality with respect to the restrictions voted in the earlier articles.
Many people rose to speak to each article, with the majority speaking in favor of prohibition. Common themes to their remarks were a concern about introducing availability to young people by proximity even though sales of marijuana are limited by law to persons 18 years of age or older; the lack of consistent state and federal enforcement guidelines; and the fear that once such establishments were allowed in the town there would be no way to eliminate them if they became undesirable.
Those taking the opposing view saw the possibility of revenue for the town through the legal sale of marijuana as potentially a good thing. Others described experiences of buying marijuana on the west coast, where it has been legal for some time, as “quite civilized” with no harm done. One speaker said, “Bedford is behind the times on this.” Another commented to shared laughter, “I’m a pothead”, implying that those opposed were overreacting. The discussion was respectful especially given the divergence of opinion and in spite of the frustration many speakers experienced due to technical problems with the microphones.
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