Kent cannabis regs allow medical marijuana sales, bans rec shops

KENT — With 400 voters in favor and 308 opposed, Kent residents adopted an ordinance regulating the sale of marijuana in town.

The ordinance bans recreational cannabis establishments but allows for medicinal dispensaries with P&Z approval. Regulations surrounding hemp cultivation and agriculture will be dealt with separately by P&Z as a zoning issue.

The decision comes near the end of a year-long moratorium on retail establishments in town, meaning P&Z has been unable to accept any applications regarding cannabis sales. The ordinance writes into town code that this prohibition will be permanent.

The results of a town survey were used to inform the ordinance. Of the approximately 500 respondents, 44% indicated disapproval of recreational marijuana retail in town, while 29% were in favor.

Subcommittee Chair and P&Z member Sarah Chase stated, “The data reflects a cautious but open-minded community.”