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Board weighs three social-equity options for local cannabis bylaw, notes town cap of two facilities
Summary
Planning board reviewed a Cannabis Control Commission bylaw template requiring a social equity component and discussed three local implementation options; members noted state guidance would limit Charlemont to roughly two cannabis facility permits based on liquor-license share.
The Charlemont Planning Board discussed how to incorporate the Cannabis Control Commission’s model bylaw and a required social equity provision into local regulations.
Lori Shulda-Merrigan reported that Sarah provided a template from the Cannabis Control Commission that includes a social equity element municipalities must address. The board reviewed three implementation choices: (1) permit only a social equity business for three years; (2) adopt the state model bylaw as written; or (3) require local approval for general applicants only after a social equity business has been approved.
Members noted the state’s allocation guidance ties cannabis facility permits to a town’s liquor-license count; at the discussed 20% ratio Charlemont would equate to about two cannabis permits. The board agreed to take the template home, study options and prepare language for Town Meeting.
The discussion was advisory. No formal bylaws were adopted at the Oct. 16 meeting; the board expects to return with proposed language for review before Town Meeting.
