Caribou council introduces medical cannabis dispensary ordinance, schedules July public hearing and seeks legal review

The Caribou City Council on Monday introduced Ordinance No. 3 of 2025, a proposed medical cannabis dispensary ordinance, and set a public hearing for July 28. The council also voted to send the draft ordinance to municipal attorney Rick Solomon and to MMA Legal Services for review before the public hearing.

City Manager Penny Thompson summarized recent public comments and the changes in state medical cannabis rules that have affected registered caregivers operating under state statute. Councillor Kelly introduced the ordinance and said the council should act promptly to avoid delays that could affect local businesses, while also allowing input from the planning board and legal review.

Nicholas Master Hall, identified in written remarks as president of a local dispensary association, asked the council to distinguish between state licensing types and ensure a level playing field; a representative of Safe Alternatives read a letter describing differences between dispensary and caregiver licensing at the state level and said Safe Alternatives remains compliant with city and state requirements while alleging another retail operation, Richardson's Remedies, lacked prior city applications.

After discussion about scheduling and the procedural steps required by city code, the council voted unanimously to send the ordinance to the municipal attorney and MMA Legal Services for review and to set the public hearing for July 28 so the planning board and the public can provide input. Councillors Bagley, Kelly, Deputy Mayor Smith, Terrio and Watson voted "Aye." No council member opposed or abstained.

Councilors and staff noted the ordinance would require planning-board review for zoning and that legal review could produce changes before final action. The motion to send the ordinance for legal review did not itself adopt the ordinance; it authorizes review and sets the hearing date.