Trumbull First Selectman Seeks Temporary Hold On Pot Dispensaries

TRUMBULL, CT — To give the town more time to prepare, Trumbull First Selectman Vicki Tesoro has asked the Planning and Zoning Commission to amend zoning regulations to put a temporary hold on approving any marijuana dispensaries through Aug. 31, 2022.

As of July 1, adults over the age of 21 in Connecticut can legally possess 1.5 ounces of marijuana for recreational purposes, after Gov. Ned Lamont signed legislation legalizing it. People can legally store up to 5 ounces of pot in their homes, and retail sales of the drug can begin in May of next year.

Tesoro, however, wants to give Trumbull more time to build in protections for the town's youth. She has been a tireless advocate against underage drinking and substance abuse.

"I am not opposed to the legalization of the possession of cannabis as defined in this new law, nor am I opposed to non-medical cannabis retail establishments," Tesoro wrote in a letter to the Planning and Zoning Commission. "However, as a longtime advocate against underage drinking and drugs, I am concerned about the impact of the new law and retail non-medical cannabis dispensaries on our youth."

Tesoro wants to give Trumbull's Prevention Partnership, the Board of Education and other groups more time to understand the regulations surrounding the new law, some of which are still being ironed out by the state Department of Consumer Protection.

"Again, as a longtime advocate against underage drinking and drugs, I am concerned that, whatever we do, we must have adequate protection in place for the youth of our town," she wrote.

The Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled to discuss the request at its Aug. 18 meeting.