Cannabis/Marijuana Retail
On May 16, 2023, the Town voted to amend the General Bylaws of the Town of Southwick, Chapter 130, §130-1 to allow non-medical “marijuana retailers”, as defined in M.G.L. c. 94G, §1.
On December 5, 2023, the Town voted to accept M.G.L. Ch. 64N, §3, to impose a local three percent (3%) excise tax upon sale or transfer of marijuana or marijuana products by a marijuana retailer operating within the Town, and to amend zoning bylaw Chapter 185, §35.2 of the Code of the Town of Southwick to
- delete the prohibition on non-medical marijuana retailers and remove the existing “Marijuana Districts Overlay” map
- align marijuana-related definitions with current state law
- define the sequence of an applicant’s activities under Special Permit and general zoning requirements
- define the allowable locations for various Marijuana Establishments
- limit the number of Marijuana Retailers or Medical Marijuana Treatment Centers to TWO (2)
- define the conditions under which the Special Permit/Site Plan Approval granted for a Medical Marijuana Treatment Center or Marijuana Establishment may be transferred
In anticipation of approval by the Attorney General, the Town is developing an application and selection process that will be fair and consistent for all applicants. Several factors will be considered in selecting establishments, including how the establishment will positively impact Southwick, the Applicant’s familiarity with the town, experience in the retail and/or cannabis industry, traffic impacts, neighborhood proximity, state regulation that mandate buffer zones, and other considerations. However, the select Board reserves all rights to negotiate and enter into a Host Community Agreement (HCA) in a manner that it deems to be in the best interest of the Town of Southwick.
The Town is developing specific guidance to help prospective marijuana retail operators understand the application requirements, the HCA, Special Permit and other processes.
Please revisit this page for updates to documents and instructions. As completed, the application, instructions and other documents will be made available here on the website, and in the Select Board office.
You may also contact Lisa Anderson at 413-569-5995, landerson@southwickma.gov, or in person at the Select Board office with your interest and intentions in obtaining licensing information when it becomes available. Please provide your direct phone and email contact information.
Please also review Chapter 185, §35.2 Code of the Town of Southwick Amendments 12/5/23
https://www.southwickma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif1241/f/uploads/2023.12.0...
Special Permit Application
https://www.southwickma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif1241/f/uploads/special_p...
For more information on the Special Permit application and process, please contact Jon Goddard at 413-569-6056, jgoddard@southwickma.gov, or in person, 2nd floor, in the Land Use offices.