WELLS — In about 10 days, two marijuana moratoriums will take affect in the town of Wells.

One concerns where to locate marijuana growing facilities, the other relates to Question 1 on the state ballot. The citizens-initiated referendum to legalize marijuana for recreational use by adults 21 years of age or older was passed by state voters in the November election.

However, the results were so close that a recount was requested; was to begin at 9 a.m. today in Augusta. According to Secretary of State spokeswoman Kristen Muszynski, the recount could take six weeks or more.

The Board of Selectmen passed both moratoriums on Nov. 15. They take effect 30 days after that vote and run out 180 days later — although under certain conditions one or both moratoriums could be extended if necessary.

Currently, there is one marijuana growing facility in Wells, Town Manager Jon Carter said Thursday.

It is located in one of the town’s light industrial zones on Willie Hill Road, near the town’s transfer station.

Recently, the town has received additional inquiries regarding locating marijuana growing facilities within its borders.

“We’re seeing a lot of interest in doing this in areas of town we’re concerned about,” Carter said.

In addition to the light industrial zones, facilities are also allowed in agricultural zones where subdivisions are located, and some are seeking to locate near residences in these areas.

Because of this, town officials are saying “Hey, wait a minute,” Carter said. The town may seek to limit the location of marijuana growing facilities to light industrial zones, of which there are several in town.

Carter said the Planning Board will review the issue and make its recommendation, there will be a public hearing and the Board of Selectmen will vote on whether to send the matter to the voters, who would have the ultimate decision. He said he expects the matter to be put before voters at the June town meeting.

Depending on what happens with the state recount on legalizing the recreation use of marijuana, voters could also be faced with a local question on that issue in June.

“We have to have a community discussion about this,” Carter said.

Selling the drug commercially is one concern, he said.

“We probably don’t want (commercial sales) on Route 1,” he said. Voters could even decide to ban the commercial sale of marijuana altogether.

Carter also noted there would be some regulation of the use of the drug. For instance, smoking marijuana wouldn’t be allowed in non-smoking areas like town beaches. Earlier this fall, selectmen voted to ban smoking at public beaches.

However the first step, said Carter, is to see what is decided at the recount.

— Associate Editor Dina Mendros can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 324 or dmendros@journaltribune.com.