Arlington Considers Request for Area’s 1st Medical Marijuana Facility
Less than a week after an emotional forum about the effects of opioids on Arlington, selectmen discussed an application to bring the first medical-marijuana dispensaryto town — and the area.
The proposal for 11 Water St. drew cautious comments Monday, Oct. 19, as the board voted, 3-1, to seek further discussion.
Based on discussion with representative of the Massachusetts Patient Foundation, such a facility, if approved, could be two years away.
In 2012, Arlington residents supported using medical marijuana by a vote of 16,876 to 7,961 on a statewide ballot question.
Selectman Dan Dunn said that, for him, the issue involves principle and practicality.
“I’m not ready to say yes,” but noted principles points to a civil-liberty and humanitarian concerns, citing an “insane set of laws,” which voters in 2012 addressed.
Practically, he said he wants detailed information from the applicants.
Selectman Joseph Curro Jr. said he first wants to see what is happening elsewhere — for example, in Cambridge. He said he does not “want Arlington to be one of the first.”
Selectmen Steve Byrne referred to the Oct. 13 opiate forum at Town Hall, saying the dispensary offers an opportunity for fair use of medical marijuana and “could have a strong effect in moving forward on issues of pain management.”
Some differences of opinion
Chairman Kevin Greeley, saying “it took us forever to get liquor stores,” said he wants input from police Chief Fred Ryan and that he would back a statement saying he does not oppose the plan.
He said Diane Mahon, who was absent, requested no vote be taken Oct. 19. Town Counsel Doug Heim recommended selectmen should vote but take “no substantial action.” She has been asked comment.
The board voted to seek more information, with Curro voting no.
Representatives of the Massachusetts Patient Foundation said Cambridge has issued a site that city a letter of “nonopposition or support,” adding it would not be open for two years.
According to a report in Cambridge Day, the state turned down in June 2014 an application by Greeneway Wellness Foundation for the city, but the plan was back on track by the following August. John Greene, founder and CEO of Greeneway, has been asked to comment.
Information provided by Massachusetts Patient Foundation says it seeks to use 5,000 square feet of space on the third floor of the Rowe building on Water Street, in Arlington Center. The building includes the Family Practice Group medical offices. In 1997, before it moved to Lexington, The Arlington Advocate offices were in the ground floor of that building.
Attorney representing foundation
Valerio Romano, who represents many medical-marijuana clients, spoke in the absence of Dan Karten, foundation chief operating officer. He said he had spoken with town Building Inspector Michael Byrne, who said such a facility could be situated at 11 Water.
Romano said that the foundation has been “very generous” with the communities in which dispensaries are situated.
Byrne asked, joking: “A new school?”
Romano responded that revenue from such a facility could pay for interest on a new school.
Some of the board’s questions focused on security.
Romano said his office does background checks on all those coming before municipal boards.
In response to his query, Greeley was told the facility would have a guard during work hours, checking to see whether clients had proper paperwork.
Among three dispensaries open in Massachusetts — in Northampton, Salem and Brockton — Romano said there had been ho reported rise in crime.
Mass. called ‘highly regulated’
“Massachusetts is the most highly regulated state in the nation” with regard to medical marijuana. He added that in California, where he previously worked, had increased strictures after initial laxity, in Oakland.
He said that currently those needing medical marijuana are permitted to grow small amounts for themselves as hardship cases in private spaces. If a local dispensary is approved, that would no longer be permitted, he said.
In comments before the board vote, Town Manager Adam Chapdelaine said approval from the Board of Selectmen is a prerequisite for a dispensary to seek state Department of Mental Health approval. He also said that because Arlington might be the first in the region to approve a dispensary, he advises a cautious approach.
Before reaching a final vote on the matter, he said all involved needed to meet again to learn the impacts of costs.