Wells, Maine Residents to Decide on Recreational Marijuana Sales
In a surprise move, the Wells Select Board has decided to let voters decide whether to allow recreational marijuana sales in the town. This decision comes after the Planning Board initially denied a proposal by JAR Consulting to change the town’s ordinance to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to switch to selling adult-use cannabis.
JAR Consulting is seeking to convert its business into an adult recreational use cannabis store. The company’s owners argue that the medical market for cannabis is shrinking, and the adult-use recreational market is growing. They believe that allowing recreational sales in Wells could attract a larger customer base.
The Planning Board had recommended that the Select Board reject the proposal, citing concerns about public safety, the local comprehensive plan, and local, state, and federal regulations. However, the Select Board voted 4-1 to put the issue to a vote during the upcoming annual town meeting on June 10.
Select Board Chair John MacLeod III argued that it’s essential to let the people have a voice on the issue. “Maybe people have changed their mind and want a bite of the apple,” he said. “If they don’t, they’ll shoot it down. If they want it, they’ll vote for it.”
Some residents have expressed concerns about the potential impacts of recreational marijuana sales on local young people, traffic, and public safety. Nancy Ford, a resident, argued that allowing recreational sales could lead to a “Pandora’s Box” of issues and that voters made a distinction between medical and recreational use when they approved medical cannabis sales in 2017.
However, Adam Platz, one of the owners of JAR Consulting, acknowledged the concerns but argued that an adult-use product would be better tested and regulated than medical cannabis. He also noted that other communities have successfully implemented recreational marijuana sales without significant issues.
The Select Board’s decision to put the issue to a vote has sparked debate among residents. While some argue that it’s essential to let the people decide, others believe that the town should stick to its previous decisions on cannabis sales.
The outcome of the vote will determine whether Wells joins the growing list of communities in Maine that allow recreational marijuana sales.
