Wayland to hold Oct. 2 special election on commercial marijuana ban

WAYLAND -- July 23, 2018, Wayland sets Oct. 2 special election on banning commercial marijuana. The Select Board voted 5-0 Monday to put a ban on the ballot and to have the Planning Board sponsor twin zoning articles, a full ban and a backup overlay district, at the Nov. 13 special town meeting, before the town's existing moratorium expires Dec. 31. Town Planner Sarkis Sarkisian told the board the working group, which included the police chief, building commissioner and Youth and Family Services Director Jason Verusky, recommended full prohibition, noting that half of Massachusetts' 351 cities and towns have already banned or indefinitely postponed commercial operations. Member Louis Jurist urged the campaign focus on harms rather than benefits: "You don't say what good comes from selling pot." Member Cherry Karlson said an earlier public forum "got completely off track." Ballot language is due to the town clerk by Aug. 28.