KENT—In a brief meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Cannabis Subcommittee on Dec. 4, Chairman Sarah Chase reported that she has four confirmations of speakers for the public information meeting set for Thursday, Jan. 16, in the large Town Hall meeting room.
The informational meeting is being organized to allow residents to ask questions about different aspects of the cannabis industry and will enable Planning and Zoning Commission members to hear concerns.
The PZC is mulling over what kinds of controls might be imposed on the growth, manufacture, distribution and sales of cannabis products in the town.
There are two routes that might be followed for regulating such activities: zoning regulations or a town ordinance.
Chase reported to the subcommittee that many of the speakers she reached out to were unable to participate or had referred her to other contacts she is pursuing. Four had signaled their availability for participation via Zoom, including:
Tyler Klimas, principal of Leaf Street Strategies, former president of the Cannabis Regulators Association and former director of the Nevada Cannabis Compliance Board;
Erik Gunderson, a leading government consultant known for his expertise in guiding state and tribal governments in crafting cannabis and hemp policies;
Andrea Comer, chairman of the Social Equity Council for Connecticut, which plays a role in the state’s cannabis industry by fostering inclusion and equity, and
Brandon McGee, executive director of the state’s Social Equity Council.
Chase is waiting for Connecticut’s Drug Control Division (of the Department of Consumer Protection) to submit the names of its panelists.
Subcommittee member Darrell Cherniske noted that the experts who have signified their availability to date “are heavy on the social equity side,” but Chase said she is seeking referrals for other panelists.
“If the town is interested, we can always have another session focusing on the agricultural side,” she added. “Social equity relates to licensing and, in the spring, we could focus on the agricultural sectors.”
Following the meeting(s), the Planning and Zoning Commission will conduct an online survey to measure public reaction.
Zoning Enforcement Officer Tai Kern said the Planning and Zoning Commission might want to talk to officials in surrounding towns. “A lot of them went with an ordinance rather than the zoning route,” she reported.
“I’m open either way,” said Chase.
Kern said she has already drafted a list of questions for the survey and formatted them in Survey Monkey. The survey will not be conducted until the educational process is complete.
The PZC has imposed a six-month moratorium, which can be extended, on cannabis-related applications. It became effective Dec. 1.
