Should Milford Town Meeting vote for a Medical Marijuana Treament Center Bylaw?

Today at Milford Town Meeting, members will have to vote on whether to restrict Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to zones Industrial B and C. It also requires a minimum separation of 200 ft of a residential zone, dwelling unit, school, place of worship, church, park, playground, or youth center.

I personally will not support this bylaw as currently presented. I understand the need to properly zone these treatment centers, but I don't believe this bylaw is the best approach. Lets try to remember who will be most affected by this; patients who suffer from cancer, glaucoma, AIDS, hepatitis C, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. This is not for recreational use or drug addicts. This is an alternative medicine to help sick people and should be treated in the same manner as any other medicine.

I propose that we separate and zone centers based on their purpose or use. The growing, cultivation, and processing should be zoned industrial given the size and noise one would expect from these facilities. The sale, distribution, or dispensing of products should be zoned commercial like any other prescription medicine. As far as the separation requirements go, I think it's completely unnecessary and insulting. To have a separation similar to that separation required of sex offenders is to say that a patient with cancer who seeks relief is just as much a danger to the public as a convicted criminal.

Please share your thoughts in the comments. Lets have a respectful conversation on the matter.