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Council adopts synthetic-THC and cannabis-permit changes, advances kratom ban; several permits and zone changes approved
Summary
At its Dec. 8 hearings meeting the Springfield City Council ordained two ordinances (a synthetic THC ban and a chapter 245 amendment regarding permits), advanced a kratom ban on first step, and approved a special permit and multiple zone changes. Most measures passed by roll-call vote; details and next procedural steps are listed below.
What the council voted on Dec. 8 (high-level roundup):
- Synthetic THC ordinance (Chapter 275, Article 4): Ordained on second and final step. The ordinance bans manufacture, sale and distribution of THC and synthetic-THC products as framed in the item. The council took the roll call and the motion carried with the recorded councilors voting in the affirmative; the ordinance was ordained that night.
- Chapter 245 amendment (Article 2): Ordained on second and final step. The measure includes language permitting issuance of permits only after operators are up to date on state and local taxes and harmonizes local requirements; Attorney Anthony Wilson spoke in favor on behalf of a consortium of cannabis operators. The council voted yes on final step and the ordinance was ordained.
- Kratom ban (Chapter 275, Article 5): Passed on first step. Councilor Curran introduced the ordinance that would ban sale of kratom; the sponsor cited investigations and toxicology reports and said multiple communities have enacted bans. The council approved the first step and scheduled a second/final step for a later meeting.
- Special permit: 927 Boston Road (used-car dealer/auto repair) — Approved. Petitioner Usman Sheikh sought to amend an existing special permit to add an operational manager; no opposition appeared during the hearing and the council approved the special permit and accompanying findings.
- Zone changes approved: 390–392 Allen Street (package store to condominium/townhouse project) — Approved. Petitioners said the proposal would create about 10 condominium units and move the package store to a plaza; petitioners reported neighborhood support and planning-board approval. Southside Boston Road/Rear Boston Road zone change (Residence A to Business A) — Approved with neighborhood support.
How these actions were recorded: Each vote was taken by roll call; results were read into the record. Where an item was adopted on second and final steps (ordinances), the clerk recorded ‘ordinance ordained.’ For the kratom item (first step), the council approved advancement to second step.
Why it matters: The synthetic-THC and kratom items are framed as public-health measures; the chapter 245 amendment affects local licensing requirements for cannabis operators. The zone changes and special permit advance development projects and a housing conversion proposal described as adding ownership opportunities in the Allen Street neighborhood.
What’s next: The kratom ban will return for second and final step. The marijuana zoning amendments (Item 7) were not finally decided on Dec. 8 and are scheduled for further action on Dec. 15. Special permit approvals carry a 20-day appeal period before issuance.
