West Bridgewater voters will be asked at a Dec. 14 special Town Meeting to consider a temporary moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses.
The article, proposed by the Board of Selectmen, would prohibit the use of land or structures in town for recreational marijuana establishments through June 30, 2018.
Voters at the Nov. 8 state election approved legalization of marijuana for recreational purposes.
While the law will take effect Dec. 15, Town Administrator David Gagne said the state has until Sept. 15, 2017, to issue regulations regarding its implementation. He said the moratorium would provide the town with the time needed to develop zoning and other rules consistent with the state regulations.
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Gagne noted that after the state voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2012, West Bridgewater followed a similar process, adopting a temporary moratorium in 2013 on dispensaries and using that time to develop a zoning bylaw regulating those businesses, adopted a year later.
Also at Wednesday’s meeting, voters will consider approving a payment in lieu of taxes agreement that the town negotiated with Ajax Solar LLC, which is constructing a rooftop solar-energy facility at 35 United Way.
The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of the Middle-Senior High School.
John Laidler can be reached at john.laidler-co@globe.com.