Muradian opposes bill to take control of marijuana agreements from communities

State Rep. David K. Muradian, Jr., R-Grafton is opposing legislation that would force cities and towns to concede their ability to independently negotiate host community agreements with local recreational marijuana establishments and medical marijuana treatment centers.

House Bill 4367 would empower the state’s Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) to “review, regulate and enforce” all host community agreements, and to reject certain provisions in these agreements by deeming them unenforceable. Muradian voted against the bill, which passed the House on a vote of 121-33 on February 5.

Under the state’s marijuana law, which was approved by voters in 2016 and modified by the Legislature in 2017, cities and towns can negotiate host community agreements with local marijuana businesses, which are only effective for 5 years but can be renewed. The law allows municipalities to require payment of a community impact fee as part of these agreements, but the fee cannot exceed 3% of the business’ gross sales.

House Bill 4367 amends the existing law by stipulating that the 5-year timeframe does not begin until the marijuana establishment or treatment center actually commences operation. It also allows host communities to waive agreements, in writing, with the Commission’s approval.

House Bill 4367 now heads to the Senate for further action.