In a 3-2 vote September 19th, Council approved the Planning Board’s recommendation to amend the zoning ordinances to determine where businesses selling medicinal and recreational cannabis can be located in Richmond. Cannabis retail will be permitted in general business, light industrial, industrial, planned development and planned development – village center.

The question before council wasn’t if we sold cannabis in town. That was already decided in the 2022 election. The question was where these stores will be if one chooses to open. I voted in support of these amendments to help Richmond expand its commercial tax base, a new opportunity given the legalization of cannabis in RI.

During discussions, there was a suggestion that we limit this specific commercial growth by not allowing cannabis sales in the General Business zone. The intent was to make it more difficult to find the stores.

I am not in favor of unnecessarily restricting businesses but I am open to compromise. I asked if a special use permit in GB could be an option. The town solicitor said it would be difficult to draft based on what had been discussed and likely open us up to lawsuits if the special permit was denied.

As a mother of two teenagers, I am concerned about the access children have to these substances. Safe storage and education at home is truly the first step. Retail cannabis products and stores are heavily regulated. They do not allow access without a valid ID, which will be scanned upon entry, and anyone under 21 old cannot enter. Lock bags and lockable liquor cabinets can prevent teenagers from intentionally accessing these products and prevent young children from unintentional consumption.

Although there are many adults who drink/smoke/gamble responsibly, I share the concerns surrounding the impact of substance use on public health, whether it’s impaired driving or struggles with addiction. There are multiple stores and restaurants in Richmond that sell alcohol, lottery tickets, and cigarettes/vapes. Cannabis is currently sold in the neighboring town of Exeter.

The legalization of cannabis does have unique challenges but as Chief Elwood remarked “the train has left the station.” Richmond’s Police Department will continue to police substance abuse whether or not cannabis is sold in Richmond.

There is a 20% tax on recreational cannabis, with 3% of that revenue going back to the town. This will help lower the tax burden to residents and support municipal services such as our Police Department.