Meriden council adopts zoning change to allow cannabis transporters and infused‑beverage wholesalers by special exception

The Meriden Mayor and City Council voted to revise the city’s zoning regulations to define "cannabis transporter" and "infused beverage wholesaler" and to allow those uses by special exception in specified C1, C2, C3 and M1–M4 zones.

The council clerk read the resolution into the record, citing Connecticut General Statute section 8-3 and a favorable report from the Meriden Planning Commission. "Whereas the Planning Commission has issued a favorable report ... staff reviewed and had no objections to the proposal," the clerk read, and Councilor Chad Cardillo moved to adopt the revision.

"As it was noted, we had a public hearing at 05:30 this evening ... the planning commission issued a favorable report," Councilor Chad Cardillo said during brief discussion and then yielded to staff for comment. Director Pella told the council staff had reviewed the proposal and raised no objections.

The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote with no recorded opposition; the resolution states an effective date of 05/11/2026. The amendment was introduced to clarify allowable uses and the process (special exception) for siting cannabis transport and infused‑beverage wholesale operations in the affected zoning districts.

The council did not record a roll-call tally on the record; the action was taken by voice vote. The statute cited (Conn. Gen. Stat. §8-3) authorizes interested parties to petition municipal zoning regulations and was read into the record as the legal basis for the amendment. The council provided no additional ordinance number in the meeting minutes and staff indicated no outstanding objections or recommended changes.