Politics & Government

Moratorium on Medical Marijuana 'Diffuses Fear'

A moratorium gives city needed time, according to a medical professional.

A moratorium on medical marijuana benefits the city and residents, a Board of Health Appointee, and medical professional, told city officials last week.

"It diffuses the fear and that's what needs to be done," Respiratory Therapist James Griffin told the Personnel Committee last week. "[City officials] are taking the necessary steps to do it well."

Griffin appeared before the committee after being put up for appointment by Mayor Arthur Vigeant. The licensed respiratory therapist was asked about the moratorium by committee member and City Councilor Robert Seymore, who proposed the moratorium to the council. Seymore said he wanted feedback from a medical professional on a moratorium for medical marijuana.

Find out what's happening in Marlboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The moratorium would keep marijuana dispensaries out of Marlborough through June 30, 2014. It mirrors one recently approved in Burlington and was written to give the state time establish regulations and the city time to create local guidelines, according to Seymore. Guidelines had been proposed for Marlborough, but this would give the city more time.

Griffin told the committee that the moratorium was the right thing to do until the ramifications of the issue are worked out. He also said that medical marijuana can be positive for patients.

Find out what's happening in Marlboroughwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“It does indeed help a certain population,” said Griffin.

A public hearing on the moratorium will be held at Monday night's council meeting which begins at 8 p.m.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here