OLD ORCHARD BEACH — The town has extended a moratorium on non-residential cultivation of medical marijuana, established on July 15, for another 60 days, so that it will now expire on Nov. 13.

The moratorium was initially established after resident Pierre Bouthiller expressed interest in creating a facility at 60 Saco Ave., where he would lease out space to medical marijuana caregivers ”“ those licensed by the state to grow medical marijuana ”“ and also provide a location for medical marijuana research.

Caregivers typically grow marijuana outside of their homes.

Town Manager Larry Mead said in July the moratorium would give the town time to create zoning ordinances to regulate where non-residential medical marijuana grow facilities are allowed in town.

At that time, Mead said the state Department of Health and Human Services has not been able to weigh in on Bouthiller’s proposal because Bouthiller didn’t have a specific plan. Mead said at a meeting last month that town staff had met with state officials for clarification of state laws regulating medical marijuana.

The town council voted unanimously Tuesday night to extend the moratorium.

According to written commentary from the town, more time is needed for staff to draft recommendations for land use ordinances related to medical marijuana production.

“There are still many unanswered questions,” said Council Chairman Shawn O’Neill Tuesday night.

He said he was “not comfortable” making any decisions at this time.

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