Easton Marijuana Shop Ban Up For Vote

EASTON, MA — Easton voters Monday night will decide on a ban on retail marijuana shops. The vote will happen during Town Meeting May 21 at Oliver Ames High School at 7 p.m. Article 35 asks whether the town should ban retail and commercial marijuana shops. Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana in 2016 and the first retail stores are expected to open July 1. Easton voters actually rejected the 2016 marijuana measure by a vote of 6,134 to 5,320.

If Article 35 fails, another proposal— Article 37 — asks if the town should should ban retail marijuana shops but allow commercial facilities for growing or processing the drug. The measures will not affect personal marijuana use in Easton. Current law allows homeowners to grow up to six plants.

Most Massachusetts communities have already banned retail marijuana shops, according to an analysis by the Boston Globe last month. Of the Bay State's 351 municipalities, 189 have already banned stores, the Globe reported. Many communities have voted on bans during the spring Town Meeting season. Northborough voters on Monday approved a retail marijuana ban. Dedham voters earlier this month also approved a ban.

Massachusetts voters in 2016 approved recreational marijuana with a 53 percent majority.

Previous:

• Easton Town Meeting Warrant (PDF): May 21, 2018
• 5 Retail Marijuana Stores Could Open In Boston By July
• Easton Voters Reject Recreational Marijuana: November 8, 2016

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