Selectmen to consider cannabis retail ordinance

A survey distributed to Kent residents earlier in the year that found that 44% of respondents opposed or strongly opposed the retail of psychoactive cannabis products in town, compared to 29% in favor.

KENT — At the June 4 meeting of the Board of Selectmen, Land Use Administrator Tai Kern and Planning and Zoning commissioner Sarah Chase presented the selectmen with a draft ordinance surrounding the regulation of cannabis retail in Kent.

Kern explained that addressing the issue via town ordinance rather than through zoning regulations enables the community to have more input, as the adoption of an ordinance would require a town vote.

The draft ordinance as it stands largely responds to a survey distributed to Kent residents earlier in the year that found that 44% of respondents opposed or strongly opposed the retail of psychoactive cannabis products in town, compared to 29% in favor. The draft outlines only the proposed ban on retail in town and does not address other aspects of cannabis cultivation or use.

Chase, who chairs the Cannabis Regulation Subcommittee of P&Z, noted that the specificity and complexity of regulating the retail of cannabis products, of which there are many types, is better suited for an ordinance than zoning regulation.

The cultivation of marijuana plants is another layer to be considered, she said, given that the survey results showed broad support or ambivalence for small-scale private grows. She mentioned that a large-scale cannabis or hemp agricultural operation would be a more complicated issue, but that Kent is an unlikely choice for such a farm due to climate and topography.

A moratorium on cannabis licensure in Kent was renewed in May to allow the town time to consider its options. The moratorium is due to expire Dec. 1, 2025.

The selectmen plan to resume the cannabis conversation in July.