Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board discusses cannabis delivery opt-out; declines to make formal recommendation
Summary
After weighing youth-access concerns and delivery verification procedures, the Cellpro Board of Health agreed it was not the municipal body authorized to file the opt-out waiver and decided to send a memo summarizing the discussion to the Select Board rather than make a formal recommendation.
Board members debated whether the town should ask the Cannabis Control Commission for a waiver to prohibit adult-use cannabis delivery within town boundaries, an option available to municipalities that already prohibit retail marijuana establishments.
Taylor, a health department staff member, outlined the state change: an April 2026 law allows adult-use cannabis delivery statewide; municipalities that prohibit retail sales may request a two-year waiver from the Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to prohibit deliveries. Taylor noted the Board of Health is advisory on municipal cannabis decisions and that the Select Board — the municipality’s governing body — holds the authority to file the waiver under M.G.L. c.94G.
Board member Safdar urged recommending that the town opt out, citing concerns that delivery would create an easier avenue for youth access and could increase problematic use among people who obtain high-potency products. "It'll just make another avenue for them to be able to have it delivered to them," Safdar said.
Another member said licensed couriers must have a CCC courier license, use pre-verification procedures and require an adult signature at delivery, but noted that age verification typically occurs at the point of delivery while online ordering often relies on a purchaser’s attestation of age. Members discussed delivery methods including home delivery and third-party pick-up points.
The chair said the board was split and suggested the board draft a memo for the Select Board outlining the discussion rather than issuing a formal recommendation. Members agreed; Taylor will prepare a memo and the Select Board is expected to consider the matter in the coming weeks.
