OLD ORCHARD BEACH — A moratorium that began in July on non-residential marijuana growing facilities will now continue until May 13.

The town initially enacted the moratorium after resident Pierre Bouthiller proposed a facility that would accommodate medical marijuana research and provide space for medical marijuana caregivers, or those licensed by the state to grow medical marijuana, to grow their plants.

Typically, medical marijuana caregivers grow the plants at their residence.

The town passed the moratorium to give time to develop a zoning ordinance to regulate medical marijuana growing facilities.

Town officials, after meeting with legal counsel and state officials, drafted a proposed ordinance. The Planning Board has reviewed the proposal and made recommendations to the town council.

Final approval for an ordinance has to come from the Town Council.

On Tuesday, the Town Council voted unanimously and without comment, with Councilor Kenneth Blow absent, to extend the moratorium until May.

According to written Town Council commentary, this extension will allow the council time to hold a public hearing and review the proposed ordinance and recommendations made by the Planning Board.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].