Sunderland Select Board Tackles Marijuana Social Equity Policy
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/21/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
14 Minutes
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Franklin County
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Towns:
Sunderland
- Meeting Overview:
The Sunderland Select Board meeting focused on the development of a new marijuana social equity policy, which is a response to legislative amendments regarding cannabis legalization laws. The policy aims to provide opportunities for those disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs to apply for municipal cannabis licenses. The board discussed the requirement for towns to create such a policy, with the state providing a model ordinance and bylaws. There was an in-depth conversation about the challenges of implementing the policy, especially concerning financial support and reduced fees for eligible candidates.
The board expressed concerns over the practicality of the policy, noting the difficulties individuals may face in securing funding to open cannabis businesses given the inability to obtain traditional bank loans due to federal regulations. The council also pointed out the disparity between the state tax revenue from cannabis sales and the limited financial benefits that municipalities receive.
In other business, the board agreed on a summer schedule, deciding to meet bi-weekly with flexibility for unforeseen circumstances. The board also touched on the upcoming Memorial Day Parade and an alternate plan for an indoor event in case of rain. Additionally, the Town Administrator highlighted the completion of the kayak kiosk project and mentioned a letter drafted to state and federal representatives regarding the application of OSHA standards to emergency responders, which could impose financial and training burdens on the local fire department.
Geoffrey Kravitz
City Council Officials:
Daniel Murphy, Christyl Drake-Tremblay, Nathaniel Waring, Cindy Bennett (Administrative Assistant)
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Meeting Type:
City Council
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Meeting Date:
05/21/2024
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Recording Published:
05/23/2024
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Duration:
14 Minutes
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Notability Score:
Noteworthy
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State:
Massachusetts
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County:
Franklin County
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Towns:
Sunderland
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