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US: Quincy marijuana ordinance draws attention of cannabis coalition Jack Encarnacao Patriot Ledger Wednesday 14 Nov 2012 “61% Voted Yes in Quincy” read one of the signs held up at the council meeting, referencing the state ballot question that passed last week legalizing the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The law allows up to 35 marijuana dispensaries to open in Massachusetts. The city council Tuesday referred to committee the ordinance proposal in question, which would bar dispensaries within 1,500 feet of a residential district, a school, a day care, a park or an establishment that serves alcohol. About a dozen members of the Massachusetts Cannabis Reform Coalition responded to an email from the organization asking members who live nearby to attend the council meeting. Coalition member Chris Foye, a Houghs Neck native, said the restrictions on dispensaries around schools and residential neighborhoods are reasonable, but worries adding to that a ban near businesses serving alcohol would be prohibitive. “If you’re from Quincy, you would know this is a big hindrance to have one anywhere,” Foye said. City Councilor Brian Palmucci, who wrote the proposed ordinance and fashioned it after Quincy’s adult-use zoning ordinance, spoke with two members of the coalition after the meeting. “They were pleased it is going to be a public process,” Palmucci said. Councilors expressed support for starting a dialogue as soon as possible about where dispensaries should be allowed. The medical marijuana law takes effect Jan. 1. Palmucci said he’s already received a call from someone interested in opening a dispensary in West Quincy. “I don’t think I’m the only one who thinks this is something we should get in place before we get applications inundating the city,” he said. Councilor Brad Croall recommended a public hearing on the issue to collect residents’ thoughts. Councilor Douglas Gutro said it’s prudent to regulate pot sales town by town the same way tobacco is. “A vote of the people is a vote of the people, but we have a responsibility in terms of responsible regulation,” Gutro said. Foye said coalition members were encouraged by the tenor of the council’s discussion and that pot sales aren’t high on local officials’ list of public safety or health concerns. “I’d be more concerned about when some of these methadone clinics are showing up,” he said. Read more: http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x459325317/Quincy-marijuana-ordinance-draws-attention-of-cannabis-coalition#ixzz2CBUh8rXe
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