SANFORD — Councilors took the first step toward instituting a prohibition on all retail marijuana establishments and social clubs over the concerns of one councilor who worried about the city being unprepared when the state recreational marijuana law takes full effect. 

Councilor Robert Stackpole is chairman of the city’s marijuana task force, a 13-member body made up of municipal officials, representatives of the marijuana industry and citizens. It first convened in May to begin to prepare Sanford for when the state law that passed in November becomes fully implemented. 

“It seems to me this delays that whole process,” Stackpole said. “Once the state passes its laws, we have to pass our own; we’re (being) reactive, not proactive in this matter — that and the fact it will take some sort of action by the council to rescind the ordinance.”

The council held a public hearing and first reading on the proposed prohibition on Tuesday evening.  The council is expected to take up the second reading and vote on the proposed prohibition ordinance on Aug. 1.

Provisions in the state recreational marijuana law passed in November concerning retail sales, cultivation, manufacturing, social clubs and other matters are under rulemaking at the state level and due for completion by February. The portion of the law that allows personal recreational use became effective in January.

Mayor Tom Cote said once the city government understands what the new law will provide and its  impact to the community, the local task force would review that information and make suggestions to the council.

Stackpole also expressed concern over the the lack of a sunset provision on the proposed ordinance. If the ordinance is approved after the second reading, it remains in effect until it is amended or repealed.

Jason Trowbridge, member of the Sanford marijuana task force who said he is a marijuana district representative, recalled the days when Sanford’s economy was more robust and noted the industries that were once located in the city. He said the cannabis industry can bring 100 new jobs to the city and without it, those looking to buy will rely on the black market. He pointed out municipalities will have the ability to control location of retail cannabis establishments.

“I don’t forsee one on every corner,” Trowbridge said.

Councilor Lucas Lanigan said he favors the prohibition. He pointed out that many of Sanford’s York County neighbors have also instituted prohibitions, which is fueling land speculation in Sanford.

“This stops the speculation,” he said.

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.