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Council hears zoning change to allow up to four independent cannabis-testing labs; Urban Affairs signaled to review
Summary
A public hearing considered an amendment to Marlborough’s zoning code to increase the allowable number of independent cannabis-testing laboratories from one to four in limited-industrial districts west of I‑495. Supporters said testing labs bring jobs and tax base; the council closed the hearing and sent the matter to Urban Affairs.
The City Council heard a proposed zoning amendment to allow up to four independent testing laboratories for cannabis products, expanding the current allowance of one lab in Marlborough.
Speaker Mike Ossing presented the proposal, saying it would raise the city’s limit from one to four independent testing labs, permitted only in industrial or limited‑industrial districts west of I‑495. He cited experience with the prior lab that operated in Marlborough from 2019 until 2024 and said that the testing-lab sector has grown in the state; two firms have already expressed interest in Marlborough.
Councilors and members of the public asked about regulations, discharges and neighborhood impacts. A resident asked whether chemical waste from testing could affect sewer or septic systems. An official replied that the Cannabis Control Commission requires appropriate permits and that connections or discharges must be approved by the Department of Public Works; the presenter said the earlier lab operated from 2019 to 2024 without reported police issues.
Councilors clarified that the proposed amendment would not remove city review: any testing lab would still need a special permit from the City Council, and the municipal zoning would limit lab locations to industrial zoning west of I‑495. Councilors said they supported the amendment’s intent to attract jobs and tax revenue, noting MEDC had indicated interest from two prospective firms. The council closed the public hearing and recorded the matter as being in Urban Affairs for committee review.
