BATH

Following similar considerations in nearby communities, Bath City Council is likely to discuss a moratorium on marijuana shops and social clubs at its meeting next week.

On Nov. 8, Maine voters approved a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in the state. The referendum, which passed by a slim margin, would make it legal for adults to possess and use marijuana, grow their own plants, purchase cannabis products in specialty stores and use them in designated social clubs.

In the wake of the vote, several communities, including Portland and Brunswick, have put in place moratoriums on marijuana shops and social clubs, and several others are looking into them.

The city council is likely to put a moratorium proposal on the agenda for its Wednesday, Dec. 7 meeting, said Bath City Manager Bill Giroux.

“I expect that this will be on the December agenda,” said Giroux. “It will be a moratorium, and the council will be asking the planning board to take a look at whether or not we should have some rules guiding where and how it happens.”

Bath, which supported the pot referendum 2,711-2,023, is currently home to one of the state’s eight medical marijuana dispensaries, Wellness Connection of Maine. Wellness Connection is Maine’s largest medical marijuana organization, operating four of the eight dispensaries. The dispensary came out in favor of Question 1 in the months leading up to the election.

After the ballot initiative passed, Wellness Connection called for the Legislature to create a “framework for safety and transparency.” It has offered to work with lawmakers in creating a new regulatory environment for recreational marijuana.

“We have always supported expanding adult access, but believe the devil will be in the details of implementation,” said CEO Patricia Rosi in a press release following Election Day. “We plan to rally around Augusta decision makers to support them in the creation of a stronger regulatory system. Recreational users and patients need higher quality and safety standards, providers need clear oversight, municipal leaders and local officials need more guidance and transparency to properly enforce the law.”

Despite campaigning for recreational marijuana and offering to help create regulations for the new industry, Rosi said in a statement that the nonprofit has yet to make a decision about entering the recreational marijuana market.

“At this early point, WCM has not decided how or if it will serve the adult market,” said Rosi. “But like any good neighbor, we would seek permission from local municipalities before making such decisions.

“The Wellness Connection of Maine has always, and will always, focus on serving our patients. And while we are happy the referendum passed because it expands adult access and creates additional needed regulation, we won’t lose sight of what we stand for. And we plan to work with Augusta and local municipalities to ensure local control and help draft policies that protect the safety of Mainers,” she added.

Question 1, which passed with less than 1 percent of the vote, will face a recount in the coming days at the request of opponents of the measure.

Medical marijuana dispensary in Bath

• BATH, WHICH SUPPORTED the pot referendum 2,711-2,023, is currently home to one of the state’s eight medical marijuana dispensaries, Wellness Connection of Maine. Wellness Connection is Maine’s largest medical marijuana organization, operating four of the eight dispensaries. The dispensary came out in favor of Question 1 in the months leading up to the election.

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