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SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Voters overwhelmingly rejected two petitions that might have added native ordinances to permit leisure marijuana to be bought and grown on the town, in line with unofficial results from Tuesday’s municipal referendum vote.
The primary proposed ordinance, which might have permitted leisure marijuana retail shops, was defeated with 1,127 opposing votes and 124 votes in favor. The second proposal, which might have permitted leisure marijuana cultivation and product manufacturing amenities, was equally defeated, with 1,134 opposing votes and 121 votes in favor.
Native leaders had suggested voters to reject the proposals.
In a memo signed by Planning Board Chair William Straub in February, the board advisable that council and residents of South Berwick vote in opposition to the ordinance modifications. The “most regarding components” cited within the memo included the potential for leisure marijuana companies to be positioned in any of the city’s zoning districts “and the exclusion of the Planning Board from the overview and regulation of such amenities.”
Extra:South Berwick recreational marijuana idea sparks opposition from some residents
After voting Tuesday at City Corridor, a few voters expressed their issues and their help for the proposals.
Craig Landry stated he voted in opposition to the ordinances as a result of he does not suppose promoting marijuana ought to have particular rights over different companies on the town.
“I wouldn’t help it if it was going to be in a number of zones,” Landry stated. “I’ve a quiet neighborhood, and I don’t need automobiles coming by means of my neighborhood who’re making an attempt to purchase pot … I’m hoping these don’t maintain developing on the poll.”
Jessica Janousek stated she is not against marijuana in precept however does not need a rising area behind her home.
“That’s one thing I did not need close to my property,” she stated.
Janousek stated she felt like these proposals would open a gateway for different companies to have the ability to “simply plop down wherever,” she stated.
John Candy, who has lived in South Berwick for 30 years, stated he helps medical and leisure marijuana within the city.
“What else are they going to remove from us? The folks voted for marijuana, however they don’t have any place to purchase it or promote it,” Candy stated.
“I’m in help as a result of I’ve seen what good it does,” he added. “If the folks of Maine voted for it, I help it.”
Candy stated he wasn’t bothered by the truth that leisure marijuana can be allowed in all zones.
Tamari Nduaguibe stated she helps medical marijuana however doesn’t help leisure marijuana.
“If we approve one thing like that then we’re sending a message to our children that it’s OK to numb your self from ache, it’s OK to get an escape out of your state of affairs,” Nduaguibe stated, including that some folks profit from marijuana, corresponding to these with epilepsy or most cancers.
Extra:Cannabis businessman hopes South Berwick voters take his side on recreational weed
Eric Bergendahl, the hashish businessman who introduced the 2 petitions ahead, walked into City Corridor to solid his vote about 2:30 p.m. together with an worker from the medical marijuana cultivation and storefront enterprise he owns, Nature’s Miracle, on Ogunquit Street.
Bergendahl stated he felt that some city officers who vocally opposed the ordinances worsened the probability of the ordinances passing. He referenced a latest letter from South Berwick Police Division Chief Dana Lajoie, who inspired voters to rigorously overview the proposed ordinances and reminded them of the opposition voiced by the Planning Board and a few members of City Council.
Bergendahl bought a constructing in Lebanon for leisure grows, which is the place he plans to initially begin cultivating. He hoped to increase his medical marijuana enterprise and open an adult-use storefront on his Ogunquit Street property if the South Berwick ordinance had handed.
Bergendahl stated he could strive once more subsequent 12 months with revised language, however that state of affairs is unlikely.
Bergendahl stated he believes that regardless of how the ordinance was written, it could probably not be accepted by the voters or by the City Council, except it restricted leisure marijuana companies to the economic zone solely. That might exclude his property, which is in a residential zone.
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