HULL – Hull voters became the first on the South Shore to decide how to regulate recreational marijuana in town at special town meeting on Monday night.
Residents were split on whether or not to approve a ban on recreational marijuana. Voters were asked to vote on two articles banning recreational marijuana establishments: one that would amend zoning bylaws and one that would amend the town’s general bylaws.
One of the articles passed and the other failed, meaning the final decision will be made via referendum vote in March.
Members of the Hull Advisory Board voted 7-0 in favor of the ban.
While voters didn’t make a final decision on if recreational retailers will be allowed, they did approve a series of articles that establish “time, place and manner” rules for how retail establishments will be regulated if the ballot ban fails. A zoning article defined a “marijuana overlay” zoning district, which would allow the establishments mainly on a one-mile stretch of Nantasket Avenue from Water Street to Atlantic Avenue.
“It’s a regionally known area,” Director of Community Development and Planning Chris DiIorio said. “If we end up in a situation where the towns around us prohibit the use, we are going to have an influx in people coming to town and this is the area that could really handle that.”
The zoning rules say establishments couldn’t have more than one external sign, no images or marijuana or paraphernalia can be displayed, no LED signs can be used and they all must be located at least 500 feet from daycare centers, schools, arcades or the Paragon Carousel.
Resident Patrick Kelley said he thinks the zoning is too restrictive, and that establishments should be allowed in any business district.
“You’re not giving the business a fair chance like you would another kind of business,” he said.
Carol Nicholson said she supports legalization, in part, for job creation and increased revenues. She said her son has had success using medical marijuana for pain management.
“In towns and districts where cannabis has been approved, opioid deaths and ER-related visits have dropped,” she said.
Recreational marijuana establishments that want to set up shop on Nantasket Avenue will have to follow a number of strict rules including installing security cameras approved by the chief of police, no delivery of marijuana and no on-site consumption.
Selectmen will bring a proposed ban before the town again at a special town election, to be held on Monday, March 26. Residents must register to vote by Tuesday, March 6.
credit:patriotledger.com