On Nov. 7, 2017, Boothbay Harbor residents will determine which, if any, of the legal business uses of recreational marijuana will be permitted in the Town of Boothbay Harbor. To help voters understand the complexities of the new commercial uses permitted under the recreational marijuana law, the board of selectmen and town manager are planning a series of educational forums to help people make informed decisions at the ballot box. 

On Thursday, Aug. 31, from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Boothbay Harbor Town office, Attorney Ted Kelleher, who is a recognized state expert on the new recreational marijuana law, will provide an overview of the new law, discuss the legal business uses, and share observations from states, such as Colorado, that previously implemented commercial recreational marijuana businesses. All members of the public are invited to attend.

Under Maine’s new recreational marijuana law, there are five legal business uses for recreational marijuana:

• Cultivation and growth of marijuana plants　
• Manufacturing of marijuana products
• Commercial testing facilities
• Retail sales
• Social clubs

The Marijuana Legalization Act gives municipalities substantial control of commercial marijuana activities, ranging from prohibiting all commercial activity to allowing some or all of the five legal uses.

Through several workshop discussions, the Boothbay Harbor Selectmen and Planning Board decided it would be most appropriate for voters to weigh in on which, if any, of these commercial uses seemed appropriate for the Harbor. Although medical marijuana facilities have been in operation in Maine for several years, the Planning Board will need to develop new ordinances to regulate and monitor any of these new recreational marijuana commercial businesses.

The Boothbay Harbor Select Board will also hold a public hearing at 6 p.m. on Sept. 11, 2017 at the Boothbay Harbor town office to review the proposed ordinance language and receive public comments on the ballot questions so they can be finalized for the November vote.

In early October, the Board is planning a panel discussion (date and location to be determined) that will focus on other issues that are important for voters to consider, such as the impact of recreational marijuana businesses on law enforcement, the realities of operating such businesses, effect on substance use in the community and other topics.