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12 <br /> Board of Selectmen <br /> Minutes <br /> January 23, 2017 <br /> NEW BUSINESS <br /> Discussion relative to recreational marijuana: <br /> With the approval of Question 4 - Legalizing the Recreational Use of Marijuana, there have been <br /> significant questions regarding the Implementation of the Act. Communication from Town <br /> Counsel dated January 19, 2017 has disclosed the Attorney General has issued a Bylaw Decision <br /> dated January 18, 2017 approving a West Bridgewater town meeting vote to adopt a temporary <br /> moratorium on recreational marijuana establishments through June 30, 2018. <br /> Under a ballot initiative, a town has the option to opt out to not have recreational sales within the <br /> boundaries of a particular town. It was noted that neighbors to Mashpee, the Towns of Falmouth <br /> and Sandwich are considering a ballot question to prohibit the use of land or structures for <br /> recreational marijuana establishments and marijuana retailers. <br /> If the Town of Mashpee was to opt out of the recreational sales, a question would be required to <br /> be placed on the spring ballot. After considering this matter, it was agreed the residents should <br /> make this determination. <br /> Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to place a question regarding the sale and <br /> distribution of marijuana on the May 2017 Election ballot to let the residents make the <br /> determination. <br /> Motion seconded by Selectman Cotton. <br /> VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0. <br /> Roll Call Vote: <br /> Selectman Gottlieb, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes Selectman O'Hara, yes <br /> Selectman Cotton, yes Selectman Sherman, yes Opposed, none <br /> It was disclosed this initiative would not affect the Medical Marijuana facility in the Town of <br /> Mashpee. If regulations have not been adopted each medical marijuana treatment center in <br /> Massachusetts may begin to possess, cultivate, or otherwise obtain marijuana and marijuana <br /> products and may deliver, sell or otherwise transfer to anyone over the age of 21 without the <br /> Town's approval. <br /> Rodney C. Collins, Town Manager indicated it is important for the voters to have full disclosure <br /> of the retail marijuana decision, and with the potential revenue to be earned from the recreational <br /> marijuana tax which is currently projected at 2%. In terms of the revenue outlook the town is <br /> facing, Selectman Gottlieb added that gambling and drugs are not where the town should be <br /> making money. <br />