Council denies medical dispensary license transfer after patient‑safety advisory; vote 6–1

The Ellsworth City Council voted 6–1 to deny a city business license application from Ellsworth MV LLC, doing business as Marajuanaville, for a medical cannabis dispensary at 71 Main Street.

The item followed Thursday night’s ordinance update: councilors opened a public hearing on whether the existing downtown location and the new owner meet the city’s licensing criteria. City Attorney Tim Pease reviewed legal constraints and told councilors municipal licenses "aren't transferable" and that legacy or "grandfather" rights are judged based on the totality of circumstances. He told the council the newly adopted municipal performance standards would apply to any new licensee.

Health concerns shaped much of the debate. Councilors referenced a state Office of Cannabis Policy (OCP) medical patient advisory that reported multiple contaminated medical cannabis concentrate products sold at the Main Street location and noted that the medical program does not require consistent mandatory contaminant testing. In the meeting the chair summarized the advisory and told council that some tested pesticide levels exceeded permitted amounts by large multiples, raising public‑health questions.

Supporters of denial said the combination of location (close to downtown and sensitive uses) and the recent state advisory weighed against granting a new city license without strict, enforceable conditions. Opponents urged caution about altering rules retroactively for a business that has operated under legacy arrangements and suggested giving the applicant time to show compliance.

After debate, Councilor Shea moved to deny the application. The motion carried 6–1. The council’s denial is limited to the city license application; the state licensing and any further fact‑finding remain separate processes.