By Dawn De Busk

Staff Writer

CASCO — When it comes to any discussion about their opinions on a marijuana-related business ordinance, members of the Casco Board of Selectmen don’t want to chew the fat.

In fact, for the most part, the board members have been pretty mum on recreational-use marijuana.

The general consensus is to let the voters decide. Therefore, in the coming months, the board will be moving toward an ordinance that would govern businesses related to marijuana, such as growing operations and retail storefronts. Then, that ordinance will become a warrant article, which will go before the residents.

On Tuesday, only the chairman spoke on the topic that was on the agenda. 

“We don’t have much control over medical; and recreational is an entirely different story,” Chairman Mary-Vienessa Fernandes said. 

She handed off to the town manager a copy of an ordinance that was adopted by South Portland. 

“We will leave it up to the will of the voters,” she said.

A week ago, on Sept. 14, the same topic was on the agenda and there was a little more discussion. 

“In 2016, the town approved it. We didn’t opt-in. We didn’t opt out. We didn’t drag our feet,” Fernandes said. “It’s on the agenda just to address it. It was the will of the people to approve it.”

Selectman Robert “Bob” MacDonald said the town should be careful not to end up with too many marijuana-related businesses. 

“I would like to make sure that we have ordinance on the book so that we can control it,” he said. 

“Let’s not just overload it. Be conservative. The location of sales are judicious, not on every corner,” he said. “If you drive down [Route] 302 in Windham every 50 yards, there is another medicinal or recreational business.”

“We need to create on ordinance that is fair to all concerned, but limits the growth. If it is works out well, maybe we increase the number of facilities that sell,” he said.

Chairman Fernandes said that she heard that the Town of Old Orchard Beach will allow only one (1) business in its boundaries. 

“Mary brought up a point with Old Orchard. I don’t want to see one on every corner,” Selectman Scott Avery said. “My thought on businesses is to help people with their dreams of owning their own business. I don’t think us or the planning board or anyone else should be throwing monkey wrenches into that.”

Casco Town Manager Anthony “Tony” Ward  commented and then presented a plan of action. 

“This is the fastest growing business in the Lakes Region,” he said. 

“What I am hearing from the board is I would have myself and staff do some research to work on an ordinance that addresses zoning and the number of businesses allowed,” he said.  

“At this point have this in place for the June Town Meeting for the residents to vote on the ordinance,” he said.