Marijuana In Waltham: Public Hearing Brings Out Dozens

WALTHAM, MA — Should Waltham extend a moratorium on recreational marijuana establishments from the end of this year to June 2019? That's up for debate at a city council meeting Monday night at 7:30 p.m. The city council chambers were packed with people holding signs and ready to speak out on both sides of the issue, though in the end, more people turned out in support of the ban, including the mayor.

"Extend Moratorium on Marijuana Establishments Please," read one sign in the chamber.

A mother expressed her concern about the potency of the drug and how recreational marijuana might impact children, become addictive and become a burden for the city.

"We can now say no and must say no," she told the council.

Waltham resident Jim Dixon called the possibility of having recreational marijuana establishments in the city a "runaway train of moral degradation."

Nearly 125 people raised their hands when asked by the council to show they were in favor of extending the moratorium.

When it came to those opposed to the moratorium, several who felt strongly that Waltham should not extend the moratorium, but start planning for zoning for recreational marijuana stepped to the mic.

Many of them reminded the city council that the city already voted in favor of retail marijuana.

Katherine Hoyt of Waltham told the council and the room to remember that per state law, recreational marijuana would only be permitted to adults and regulated similarly to alcohol.

"I urge you all not to delay progress for Waltham."

Adam Crossman told the council there were other pressing things that should take their time.

"We are adults, this is what we want. Delaying this is subverting democracy. Subverting the will of the people," said Crossman.

Some 16 people expressed that they were against the moratorium.

At least one city councilor expressed her frustration online with the possible extention.

"I’m fed up with the foot dragging in our council on marijuana, in the two years since we voted in favor of approving Question 4," said Ward 7 Waltham City Councilor Kristine Mackin in a post on social media, referencing that Waltham voted to approve the 2016 State ballot question legalizing marijuana in 2016.

Following the public hearing the matter is scheduled to get forwarded to the Rules and Ordinances Committee. That committee meets later in the evening, after Committee of the Whole.

Mackin said she expected a vote soon. The issue then goes to the full Council the following Monday, Nov. 26, where it requires 10 votes to be approved.

"Waltham would really benefit from a dispensary and safe access for adults," posted one resident who said she planned to attend Monday's public hearing.

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