HODGDON, Maine — Following in the footsteps of Ludlow and Houlton, Hodgdon residents will soon have their say on a proposed ordinance to ban retail and commercial marijuana businesses within the town.
At a special town meeting Thursday, about 50 residents turned out to consider a proposed ordinance to ban retail marijuana establishments, cultivation sites and social clubs.
Town Manager Jim Griffin said the board of selectmen came forward with the proposed ordinance after hearing from several concerned citizens.
Hodgdon’s ordinance states, “Retail marijuana establishments, including retail marijuana stores, retail marijuana cultivation facilities, retail marijuana products manufacturing facilities, and retail marijuana testing facilities, and retail marijuana social clubs are expressly prohibited in this municipality.”
The ordinance would not impact medical marijuana growers, nor would it impede a private individual from growing their own personal-use marijuana plants.
Residents decided by a straw poll to send the matter to a town-wide referendum, which has been set for Thursday, Sept. 28, at 7 p.m. at the Mill Pond Elementary School.
Hodgdon residents are just the latest group to consider banning retail marijuana. Houlton and Ludlow also will be voting on similar proposals to ban retail marijuana and cultivation sites in their communities during the November election.
