Manchester Directors Reviewing Possible Local Cannabis Rules

MANCHESTER, CT — The Manchester Board of Directors is set to review what will likely be the ground rules for legalized cannabis in town at its Tuesday meeting.

The meeting is slated for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Lincoln Center.

Here is a look at the ground rules in the meeting packet:

As of July 1, 2021 Individuals in the state 21 and older are able possess, consume or use cannabis with some limits on possession. Smoking marijuana is not allowed where tobacco cigarette smoking is prohibited. Those 21 and older may cultivate cannabis plants with restrictions.

If 10 percent of the local voters petition 60 days prior to a local election, a municipality must hold a referendum on whether to allow specific types of establishments.

A 6.35 percent general sales tax applies to sales.

An additional 3 percent municipal tax applies on gross receipts, collected as general municipal revenue and that tax revenue must be used for community reinvestment in education, mental health and addiction services, youth services, civic engagement and neighborhood improvements

Municipalities with populations of more than 50,000 in population must designate a location where public consumption is allowed.

Tle local Planning and Zoning Commission can regulate or prohibit cannabis establishments and define various types of cannabis establishments by zones and, once zoning rules are established allow establishments on a case-by-case basis with special exception permit applications.

There are limitations the on number of facilities until 2024 — one retail establishment per 25,000 people (which means two in Manchester) and one micro-cultivator per 25,000 people (which means two are allowed in Manchester).

A charge can be incurred by an operator of up to $50,000 for necessary public safety costs related to a facility opening.