Kent Cannabis Committee holds initial meeting

KENT — The first meeting of the Cannabis Regulation Subcommittee within the Planning and Zoning Commission met the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 3 to elect a chair and lay the groundwork for future Subcommittee efforts.

P&Z member Sarah Chase was promptly elected to head the group, after which she gave a detailed report on the legality of cannabis in the state as well as a brief overview of the current science surrounding its psychoactive effects.

In the presentation, she outlined the complexities of regulating the plant, given that though it is legal for recreational and medicinal use, it remains an illicit drug at the federal level.

She mentioned, however, that the state’s decision to legalize recreational use is motivated by its potential to bring in a “significant amount of tax dollars,” as well as its capacity for catalyzing improvements in criminal justice reform and funding social equity programs.

The subcommittee discussed a proposed survey to be sent out to Kent residents to get a sense of locals’ attitudes toward and knowledge of the plant. The idea for a town survey will be formally suggested at the Oct. 10 P&Z meeting.

Latest News

Celebration of Life: Michael R. Tesoro, M.D.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life to honor Michael R. Tesoro M.D. (May 20, 1941-—Dec. 25, 2024) whose vibrant spirit touched so many. We will gather on May 17 at 11:30 a.,m. at Trinity Lime Rock to remember Michael’s life with love and laughter.

A light fare reception to immediately follow at the church’s Walker Hall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Keith Raven Johnson

SHARON — Keith Raven Johnson, a long-time resident of Sharon, died on April 26, 2025, a month after his 90th birthday, at Geer Rehabilitation and Long -Term Care facility in Canaan.

He was born on March 21, 1935, in Ithaca, New York, the son of John Raven Johnson and Hope Anderson Johnson.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sue Ann Miller Plain

NORTH CANAAN — Sue Ann Miller Plain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, and sister, passed away on May 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with ALS. Sue Ann faced her illness with incredible strength, grace, and determination, never losing her spirit or her love for those around her.

Sue Ann was born on April 21, 1957, in Jersey City, New Jersey. She lived in North Canaan for 50 years where she built lasting friendships and began a life rooted in community and family.

Keep ReadingShow less
Joan Anderson Turnure

SALISBURY — Joan Anderson Turnure, 91, died after a long illness on May 3, 2025, at Noble Horizons in Salisbury. She was the loving widow of Michael DeBurbure Turnure.

Joan was born July 29, 1933, in Mexico City, Mexico, the daughter of the late Lawrence Anderson and Barbara (Ryan) Anderson. She grew up in Mexico and Maryland, later attending the Shipley School in Pennsylvania and earning a Bachelor of Arts in English from Vassar College.

Keep ReadingShow less