SPRINGFIELD -- A new City Council committee will consider guidelines and regulations for recreational marijuana businesses in Springfield, addressing issues such as where they can be located, any caps on their number, city revenues and security.
Council President Orlando Ramos on Friday announced the three-member subcommittee will be chaired by Councilor Justin Hurst and also include Councilors Kateri Walsh and Adam Gomez.
Ramos said he believes a city ordinance for marijuana facilities can be finalized and approved by the full council by late September. The new committee will conduct open meetings and will encourage public participation at those meetings, councilors said.
Voters statewide approved the sale of recreational marijuana in November of 2016, and it was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker in July 2017. Regulations were approved by the state Cannabis Control Commission in March of this year, with cities and towns able to impose additional local regulations.
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