Braintree Councilors To Consider Options For Marijuana Ban

BRAINTREE, MA — Braintree could become the latest community in the state declare that marijuana businesses are not welcomed in their community.

During their meeting Tuesday, the town council refereed an item that will review "all available current and potential options concerning Opting Out of the Recreational Marijuana State Law, and review municipalities of whom have passed legislation banning marijuana production, distribution, sale, etc. or take up any action relative thereto" to the rules and ordinance committee. The item was put on the agenda by Councilor Dan Clifford.

In the original proposal known as Question 4, communities can opt out of the state's marijuana law by passing a bylaw at the ballot. A new version of the bill that passed the House moves that control to local officials while it remains with the voters in the state Senate version.

If Braintree were to ban marijuana establishments, it would be in line with town feelings on the drug. At the November election, 54.28 percent of voters who went to the polls voted against Question 4, which legalized marijuana in the state.

Regulations regarding medical marijuana would not be effected.

So far, at least 108 Massachusetts communities have some sort of restriction on marijuana, according to WCVB.

Image: File Photo