BANGOR, Maine — Members of the City Council’s infrastructure committee struck a compromise on Tuesday by supporting a 90-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries that would give officials more time to amend land development ordinances.
As it stands, Bangor cannot approve any applications until the state sorts out the final provisions of the Maine Medical Marijuana Act amendment that was approved by voters last November. That is not expected to happen until July 1, but a 90-day moratorium, which still needs approval of the full City Council, would give Ban-gor until early August.
“I have serious concerns,” Councilor Pat Blanchette said, specifically questioning the wisdom of locating a dispensary and a cultivation facility on the same site. “I don’t think we’re ready.”
Bangor councilors have debated both a moratorium and proposed changes to city codes that would allow dispensaries in certain areas of the city but with several restrictions. Council Chair Richard Stone strongly favored a moratorium of six months, which many communities have adopted, but the infrastructure committee cut that in half with the understanding that it could be extended if necessary.
In the meantime, councilors will continue to discuss what restrictions the city should place on any medical marijuana dispensary applicants and wait for the state to release its final version of the law.
As it stands now, the state law allows patients to cultivate marijuana on their own. Initially, it will allow eight dispensaries across the state and only one in Penobscot and Piscataquis counties combined. Also, dispensaries may not be located within 500 feet of a school.
At a meeting last month, Police Chief Ron Gastia suggested that the city enforce stricter security requirements to ensure public safety. When asked Tuesday what those increased security measures, such as video surveillance and alarms, would cost the Police Department, Gastia suggested that it should be the applicant’s responsibility.
“It’s unfortunate that the state hasn’t finalized [its plans], but come July 1, people are going to be seeking licenses,” Gastia said.
One of those potential applicants, local business owner Richard Hatch, attended Tuesday’s meeting and appeared disappointed by the committee’s decision.
“There is nothing you can do until August probably anyway,” he told the council, referring to the state’s July 1 deadline and the 30 days allowed to approve an application. “You’re wasting time with a moratorium.”
Councilor Hal Wheeler, who supported the 90-day moratorium, wondered why anyone would want to submit an application at all since any dispensary would be not-for-profit.
The council is expected to vote formally on the moratorium next week.