Norton Marijuana Shop Regulations Up For Vote

NORTON, MA — Norton voters Monday night will decide on regulating retail marijuana shops. The vote will happen during Town Meeting at 7 p.m. at Norton High School. Article 22 asks whether the town should allow retail sites but prohibit smoking or otherwise consuming the drug on-site. If that measure fails, Article 23 asks if the town should extend its moratorium on retail shops until December 31.

Massachusetts voters approved recreational marijuana in 2016 and the first retail stores are expected to open July 1. Norton voters approved the 2016 marijuana measure by a vote of 5,269 to 4,394.

Most Massachusetts communities have already banned retail marijuana shops, according to an analysis by the Boston Globe last month. Of the Bay State's 351 municipalities, 189 have already banned stores, the Globe reported. Many communities have voted on bans during the spring Town Meeting season. Northborough voters on Monday approved a retail marijuana ban. Dedham voters earlier this month also approved a ban.

Boston officials in recent weeks have reviewed plans for five retail shops scattered across the city. Those stores are expected to open in July.

Massachusetts voters in 2016 approved recreational marijuana with a 53 percent majority.

Check back to Norton Patch for Town Meeting results

Previous:

• Norton Town Meeting Warrant (PDF): May 14, 2018
• 5 Retail Marijuana Stores Could Open In Boston By July
• Norton Voters Approve Recreational Marijuana: November 8, 2016

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