Whately residents to weigh in on marijuana manufacturing bylaw change

WHATELY — Residents will soon have an opportunity to provide input on a proposed marijuana manufacturing bylaw amendment put forward by Debilitating Medical Condition Treatment Centers (DMCTC).

DMCTC, which already cultivates and manufactures cannabis products in Whately and is permitted to operate a dispensary in the former Sugarloaf Shoppes, is proposing a zoning amendment that would allow the manufacturing of marijuana products without the use of hazardous or flammable materials through a special permit in the Commercial, Commercial-Industrial and Industrial districts.

“It looks like a number of uses that are already allowed in the Commercial District,” said attorney Isaac Fleisher, who has been representing DMCTC. “We’ll make our case to the public and I hope they’re supportive.”

In a brief discussion last week, Planning Board members expressed interest in sending the proposed bylaw to a public hearing at a future date, which could then set it up to be brought in front of voters at Town Meeting. They did not, however, signal whether they support or oppose the bylaw.

“I don’t have a problem with this going to a public hearing and I don’t have a problem taking this to Town Meeting for the people to decide,” Planning Board member JD Ross said. “They have a right to present this.”

“I see neither harm to the town for approving this, nor do I specifically see much benefit,” Planning Board Chair Brant Cheikes added. “I see benefit to the proponents and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with proponents coming to the Planning Board with recommended changes.”

The proposal follows a similar one pitched by the company in 2023 that prompted Planning Board members to express concerns about adding too much new language to Whately’s zoning bylaws. The original draft proposed the creation of a new land use, while this revised version adds a new “Marijuana Product Light Manufacturer” definition and a new use in the “Table of Use” regulations.

The new proposal also includes an amendment stating marijuana product light manufacturers must submit a certified statement to the town that no materials classified as hazardous or flammable shall be used for the purpose of manufacturing marijuana products.

DMCTC representatives said previously that they are proposing the bylaw changes because the company is seeking to turn the rest of its 420 State Road facility into a small-scale marijuana product manufacturing site, which would work in tandem with the planned dispensary. The change would also, Director Jared Glanz-Berger said last summer, encourage business growth in town, as the changes could encourage other businesses to bring small marijuana manufacturing facilities to Whately.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.