Stoughton selectmen decided not to take any action on a request from G2 New England for a letter of support or a letter of non-opposition for their medical marijuana business Tuesday night.
The letter was actually due to the state Oct. 31, according to selectmen chairman John Anzivino, so the selectmen didn't actually have to endorse it.
"I would rather see it succeed on its own merit," said selectman Thomas J. Recupero, who said he was in favor of new businesses coming to town. "I'd be happy to listen to a presentation."
Recupero will get that chance as G2 New England will be making a presentation at the Jan. 21 meeting. Frank Loulourgas, the CEO of C2NE, and members of his staff were in attendance at Tuesday night's meeting. G2 New England is located in Needham.
Loulourgas' group didn't need the letter from the selectmen to move on the process. They are currently going through approval from the state. Massachusetts has mandated the creation of medical marijuana facilities, and they will be a highly regulated industry.
Because it is state mandated, besides zoning restrictions, towns and cities don't have a say in where the medical facilities will be located.
G2 New England, according Loulourgas, will have requirements even higher than the commonwealth requires. He answered concerns expressed by Stoughton Patch readers by responding in the comment section.
"Security, drug diversion, and proper patient assessment are our highest priorities," said Loulourgas in his comment on Stoughton Patch. Only patients properly diagnosed and certified by a qualified physician will receive care, and their treatment will be tracked and monitored by our own internal physicians."
With the facilities just being created, Loulourgas says he understands the need to educate the town of his business.
"I understand (the concerns), because it is new," said Loulourgas of the presentation. "It will lift the veil of uncertainty."
G2 New England said they will also be working with OASIS and other drug abuse programs to educate people on the proper use of medical marijuana and will be working closely with police and fire departments. They will also be donating a percentage of their gross revenues directly to the town and be contributing to various groups. It will be a nonprofit organization, but not tax exempt.
Anzivino said he wants the public to have an opportunity to share their thoughts in a public hearing.
"We will be dealing with this at some point," said Anzinio. "They have chosen this as the place."
Loulourgas won't comment on the site they have picked out for security reasons, but it won't be located in a residential area. The building will have full solar power and use well water.
Town manager Michael Hartman said a zoning bylaw will be created for an area for this type of business to be located. It would be voted on at town meeting.
Loulourgas said he was looking at several sites in Norfolk County before selecting Stoughton. The town was picked for its accessibility and its location close to hospitals.
He also said his research showed there are people in the area who can benefit from G2 New England's services
http://g2ne.org/
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