Pubdate: Mon, 24 Jun 2013
Source: Ayer Public Spirit (MA)
Copyright: 2013 MediaNews Group
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Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5440
Author: Hattie Bernstein

AYER'S MEDICAL MARIJUANA MORATORIUM BID UP IN SMOKE

AYER -- Special Town Meeting Monday night rejected a controversial
warrant article that would have put a one-year moratorium on the
opening of a medical-marijuana dispensary here.

The vote, which was 45 for the moratorium and 93 against, was followed
by loud cheering at the Ayer-Shirley Regional High School where the
session was held.

"It didn't surprise me," said resident Peter Johnston, 85, a member of
the Planning Board here for more than 40 years. "Let me say this: I'm
in favor of it if people need it medically. There are sick people and
they need the help."

During a spirited discussion that often appeared to veer off track,
Town Moderator Tom Horgan Jr. reminded voters that they were there to
consider the proposed moratorium, not the merits or evils of marijuana.

In November, 63 percent of Massachusetts voters approved a ballot
question that would make medical marijuana available through a
strictly regulated system of protocols and licenses. In Ayer, more
than 60 percent of voters favored the dispensaries.

In recent weeks, however, moratoriums on allowing the dispensaries
have had a domino effect across the state, particularly in communities
around Boston. Tyngsboro, Westford, Chelmsford, Billerica, Peabody,
Wilmington, Dracut, Westminster and Fitchburg have passed
moratoriums.

In Ayer, voters rejected amendments to the warrant article that would
have shortened the proposed one-year moratorium to 90 days or six months.

Arguments for and against the question were passionate and
occasionally angry, and more than once a voter attempted to filibuster.

"I'm not for a moratorium," declared Selectman Gary Luca. "This is a
pro-business town and we're looking for business to move in."

Luca said he has read the 50-plus pages of regulations approved, and
released by the state on May 24.

"Up front, they (a dispensary operator) have to put a half million (in
escrow)," he said.

Selectman Janice Livingston agreed.

"I am not for a moratorium in any way, shape, or form," she
said.

One voter, who did not say his name clearly enough for the town clerk
to record it, argued that the state law allowing medical-marijuana
dispensaries will encourage abuse. "People will move here to be close
the dispensary," he said.

Others urged voters to delay making a decision for a
year.

John Hillier, of Shirley, has expressed interest in opening a
nonprofit dispensary, Compassionate Care, at 31 Central Ave. Hillier
attended a public hearing several weeks ago where the Planning Board
agreed to support a moratorium.

Monday's vote gives Hillier the ability to continue the application
process.

There are no medical-marijuana dispensaries operating in the state
yet, but the attorney general has said she expects the first ones will
open by the end of the year.

Under state law, up to 35 dispensaries may be located in the state,
with up to five per county.

Voters at the Special Town Meeting also approved a warrant article
authorizing the town to raise $8.8 million to fund the town's
assessment for the Ayer Shirley Regional School District, a decision
that was put on hold until state aid information was available.
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