SACO — The city has enacted a six-month moratorium on new permits for medical marijuana growing facilities.

City officials say they have experienced an influx of requests for permits for medical marijuana caregiving facilities.

Medical marijuana caregiving facilities are growing establishments located separately from a person’s residence. Such facilities are allowed in two zones in the city’s industrial park.

City staff state the growing facilities draw a significant amount of electricity, which can impact the availability of electricity for other businesses.

In order to give the city time to address these concerns and work on a solution, city staff recommended a six-month moratorium on new medical marijuana caregiving facilities.

The City Council unanimously passed, with councilors Kevin Roche and Eric Cote absent, the 180-day moratorium on new permits for medical marijuana caregiving facilities at Monday night’s City Council meeting. 

Last week, the City Council in a separate measure enacted a temporary ordinance implementing a licensing requirement for all those who grow marijuana, including recreational marijuana, in the city. 
This temporary ordinance, which can last up to 61 days, was put in place to give the city time to review a permanent ordinance regarding licensing of marijuana cultivation. 

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.