Saco to draft suggested zoning for adult use marijuana businesses

SACO — The Saco City Council has directed the planning board to develop an ordinance regarding adult-use marijuana businesses.

Recreational, or adult-use, marijuana businesses are legal in Maine, but to allow such establishments in their community, municipalities must first decide to “opt in.” Information from the State of Maine Office of Marijuana Policy regarding which municipalities have allowed adult-use marijuana businesses can be found online.

On Monday night, the City Council approved a resolution to authorize adult-use businesses in Saco after an ordinance in drafted by the planning board and vetted and adopted by the City Council. According to discussion at the Monday’s meeting, the city would not be “opting in” to allow adult-use marijuana businesses until after the final step – when the City Council approves an ordinance regulating such businesses.

The resolution was approved 4 to 3, with Mayor William Doyle breaking a tie. Councilors Marshall Archer, Jim Purdy and Joseph Gunn voted in favor of the resolution. Councilors Jodi MacPhail, Nathan Johnston and Phil Hatch were opposed. Councilor Michael Burman was absent.

“This is not a benefit to the city. The city gains nothing from this,” said MacPhail. She said the city had more pressing issues it should focus on.

“Adult-use (marijuana) is legal in Maine, and I don’t have a problem with a legal business operating in the city,” said Purdy. He said the planning board can decide on the appropriate number of such businesses and where they should be located, and the City Council can make any necessary changes to the proposed ordinance before it makes the final vote.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.