Public Hearing Scheduled On Guilford Cannabis Establishment Ordinance

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Board of Selectmen will hold a public hearing on Dec. 18 at the Community Center on a proposed ordinance banning cannabis retail establishments in town. The ordinance also prohibits the use of cannabis on town property.

While retail businesses like dispensaries are expected to be prohibited in Guilford, other forms of commerce involving cannabis will be allowed, said First Selectman Matt Hoey at the Board of Selectmen meeting on Nov. 18.

"Cannabis establishments include producer; dispensary facility, which is what we're prohibiting; cultivator; micro cultivator; retailer and hybrid retailer, which we're prohibiting; food and beverage manufacturer; product manufacturer; product packager; and delivery service or transporter," Hoey said.

Hoey asked Town Attorney Peter Barrett if the prohibition on retail would extend to the sale of cannabis-infused beverages. Barrett said he'd check.

Earlier this month, the selectmen voted to extend a moratorium on cannabis establishments until Jan. 31, 2025.

Guilford has extended the moratorium a few times.

Hoey said over the summer that if the town fails to act and come up with some sort of ordinance on cannabis establishments, Guilford "will have absolutely no control over how many, or where, any of the categories of cannabis business can take place."

The start time for the public hearing on Dec. 18 will either be 7 p.m. or 7:30 p.m., depending on when the facility becomes available.