Towns Ask Questions About Medical Marijuana Law

Officials from towns and cities across Connecticut shared questions and concerns Thursday with the Department of Consumer Protection about the new medical marijuana law.

"Public safety is obviously a number one concern, yes," said Francis Lollie, the assistant zoning enforcement officer for the Town of Brookfield.
 
The new law is considered one of the most restrictive in the nation. Growing operations and dispensaries will be tightly regulated. Alarm systems at the facilities must meet strict requirements.
 
"Just looking to get more information so we as a city can decide how to implement the regulations," said David Sulkis, the city planner for Milford.
 
So far the state hasn't received any applications from those looking to start a dispensary or growing operation.
 
"We're not expecting to get applications until much closer to the deadline," said William Rubenstein, the commissioner of the Department of Consumer Protection.
 
The state expects to issue 3 to 5 licenses for dispensaries and 3 licenses for producers. The deadline for applications is November 15.
 
Towns must give approval first before the state will give a license.
 
Patients can only obtain a prescription for medical marijuana from a licensed physician and only people with one of eleven debilitating conditions are eligible to use it. As of Monday 983 patients have been approved by the state.
 
"We're really hoping we don't get federal interference on any level in our program," said Rubenstein. "We've designed a program that shouldn't attract interference."
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