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Medical marijuana in Lenox?

LENOX – With economic development always in the forefront, some public officials have begun to wonder if the town should look at a new type of “green economy.”

At its most recent meeting, the planning board discussed how medical marijuana growing and dispensing could fit in the town.

“Is this good economic development for Lenox?” asked Planning Board Member Gary M. Schiff. “Because to me, this sounds like a great taxable business.”

In other states that have approved dispensaries as for-profit businesses, the laws have had a major financial effect. In Arizona, the attorney general has estimated $40 million in additional tax revenue per year and in California, some estimates are as high as $100 million a year.

Yet, while marijuana has been big business in some states, in Massachusetts, the current law has several provisions that could strangle that income.

The new regulations, approved earlier this month, allow for only up to 35 non-profit dispensaries to open around the state, including at least one and not more than five in each county, where patients can receive up to a 60-day supply of marijuana.

The non-profit status of these dispensaries will make all their earnings tax-free, and with marijuana being a prescription drug, pot sales will also be tax-exempt for consumers.

Even without a great positive economic impact, Lenox still may have to allow one of these businesses into the town if someone applies.

The attorney general has struck down several towns’ attempts to outlaw dispensaries but has allowed towns to set zoning to allow them in only certain areas.

“The only question is where we want to zone to allow this in town,” said Selectman Channing Gibson. “Because we cannot just outlaw it in the town, this can happen.”

The Department of Public Health plans a competitive application process for dispensary licenses in the summer and fall.

Dr. Lauren Smith, interim public health commissioner, said there are still many steps that need to be accomplished before any of the dispensaries could open.

The first registered, non-profit dispensary for medical marijuana could open in January 2014, according to several sources in the medical-marijuana field.

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Posted by on May 23, 2013. Filed under Breaking News,Community News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
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