For Immediate Release

Monday, Jan. 25, 2016

Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Contact: Christine Bongiorno
Phone: 781-316-3170
Email: CBongiorno@town.arlington.ma.us

Arlington Board of Health to Hold Meeting on Local Regulations Surrounding Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

ARLINGTON — Christine Bongiorno, Director of Health and Human Services, announces that the Board of Health will hold a public hearing next week to discuss a proposal to regulate the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana in town. The community is invited and encouraged to attend.

WHEN

Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 5:30 p.m.

WHERE

First floor conference room of the Senior Center, 27 Maple St.

WHAT

Officials will discuss the proposed “Regulation of the Arlington Board of Health Restricting the Sale of Marijuana.” The public will be given the opportunity to provide oral or written testimony.

The regulation sets forth the requirements for obtaining a Permit to Operate a Registered Marijuana Dispensary (RMD) and a Dispensary Agent Permit, which is issued to eligible employees of an RMD. The permit to operate will place certain conditions on an RMD and allows for local inspection and oversight. The regulation also proposes that RMDs hold an annual community meeting to give abutters and community members an opportunity to comment on its practices.

“As Massachusetts health officials move forward with the process of establishing guidelines for medical marijuana dispensaries in the state, we want to have regulations in place for our town to ensure proper use and safety for our residents,” Bongiorno said. “We ask that anyone who is interested in obtaining a permit, or who wishes to find out more about this regulation, attend the meeting.”

If approved, the regulation would also set forth penalties for violations, including fines, suspension and revocation of an RMD permit.

A draft copy of the proposed regulation can be obtained at the Board of Health’s office on the ground floor of the Senior Center or online.

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