Wilton to Hold Public Meeting on Extending Cannabis Moratorium
The town of Wilton is set to hold a special meeting on April 9 to discuss extending the current moratorium on cannabis licenses. The Vice-Chair of the Select Board, Mike Wells, informed the Board that the Cannabis Ordinance Committee requires more time to revise their policies, prompting the need for an extension.
The moratorium, which was implemented last October, prohibits the issuance of licenses for cannabis operations, including both medical and adult use. This includes activities such as growth, cultivation, testing, and retail. The initial expiration date for the moratorium was set for April 14, but now there is a proposal to extend it until the annual town meeting on June 17.
Wells, who also chairs the Cannabis Ordinance Committee, assured the Board that the committee is working on revising the ordinances for cannabis licenses but needs more time to complete the process. He mentioned that the committee is addressing concerns such as the number of operations in town, deficiencies in the application process, and the fees for application and renewal.
During the meeting, John Black, the owner of Earth Keeper Cannabis, expressed frustration with the moratorium, stating that it is hindering his ability to expand his business. Other existing operators have also faced challenges and delays in their operations due to the moratorium.
Former Sen. Tom Saviello, who is familiar with the local cannabis industry, suggested amending the moratorium to allow existing businesses with permits to continue their operations. He emphasized that current operators are compliant and are doing a good job, and should not be affected by the extension of the moratorium.
The town has received legal advice not to move forward with certain applications during the moratorium, which has caused some businesses to face obstacles in their expansion plans. The special meeting on April 9 will provide an opportunity for the public to discuss the extension of the cannabis moratorium and its impact on local businesses.
In conclusion, the town of Wilton is navigating the complexities of cannabis regulation in Maine and is working to find a balance between supporting local businesses and ensuring compliance with state laws. The upcoming meeting will shed light on the future of cannabis operations in Wilton and how the community plans to move forward with licensing and regulation.
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