Medford Developing Medical Marijuana Oridnance

Medford city officials are in the process of developing the framework for regulating medical marijuana dispensaries within the city.

City council was presented with a draft ordinance by city solicitor Mark Rumley at a Dec. 8 meeting, reports Wicked Local Medford. The draft ordinance would require dispensaries to receive a special permit from the city in order to begin operations.

Wicked Local’s Alex Ruppenthal reports:

The majority of land zoned for industrial use within the city is located along Commercial Street, between Meadow Glen Mall and the Fellsway Plaza shopping center; and to the east of Wellington Circle, between Station Landing and the Malden River.

Four smaller areas designated for industrial use are located 1) along Mystic Avenue, near the Somerville border; 2) along Boston Avenue, from Ball Square to College Avenue; 3) near the city’s Department of Public Works facility, between Mystic Avenue and Mystic Valley Parkway; and 4) near the intersection of Boston Avenue and Mystic Valley Parkway.

The city’s ordinance would prohibit dispensaries from opening within 1,000 feet of schools, child-care centers, parks and playgrounds, and from within 500 feet of residential zoning districts. Dispensaries would not be allowed on lots abutting residential properties.

The ordinance would also prohibit dispensaries from selling alcohol or tobacco products, vapors, lottery tickets and other items.

The potential ordinance would also require dispensaries to register with the local police and fire departments. All employees would be required to pass background checks conducted by the Medford Police.

Photo credit: Laurie Avocado