Medical marijuana distribution still a cloudy issue with the Webster BOH

Nuisance properties also on the agenda

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -   Webster Board of Health Agent Cathleen Liberty is concerned that the new laws and regulations regarding the legalization of medical marijuana in Massachusetts are still too convoluted. The state has yet to issue final regulations for possession of medical marijuana and the registration of up to 35 treatment centers. Up to five dispensaries could be located in Worcester County. The board discussed the issue at its meeting on Monday.

The board also questioned how existing tobacco rules may apply to marijuana usage, such as where it can be smoked or ingested, sold, dispensed, and contained. The key word at this point is “may.”

The law defines “smoking” as “the lighting of a cigar, cigarette, pipe or other tobacco or non-tobacco product designed to be combusted and inhaled.” This last phrase might be what applies to the smoking of marijuana. Of course, smoking in public would be prohibited as it is presently for tobacco products. Also, the same discretion would apply for businesses and rental properties where landlords could either accept or reject smokers as have with the issue of tobacco users. There is a bylaw prohibiting the smoking of marijuana in public but Ms. Liberty asked to better define the scope of “not in public.”

For anyone interested on learning more on the new medical marijuana law the Massachusetts Department of Public Health has scheduled an input/listening session on Wednesday, February 13 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Worcester Public Library at 3 Salem Street.

In other issues, Cathleen Liberty sent a letter to 19 Whitcomb Street after a complaint that the rear of the home was a “mess.” The letter was returned on November 24. She then sent a letter for the owner to appear at the Board of Health office but has received no reply. The next step is to talk to the tenants on the issue of cleaning the place up.

In regard to nuisance properties, 38-42 Prospect Street has been declared structurally unsound and all three buildings must be demolished.

There was a complaint of a home at Main and Negus Streets in regard to exotic animals not contained properly. Animal Control will be notified to check on the situation.