NORWALK – After hearing a number of concerns from local residents, the Common Council approved a marijuana ordinance on Tuesday that prohibits public consumption on city-owned property, but allows for designated smoking areas.
Norwalk also will allow no more than three cannabis retailers in the city.
Member Josh Goldstein said the new ordinance accomplished three goals – regulating public consumption, delegating the task of designating a smoking zone to the mayor and introducing a highly regulated and profitable industry to Norwalk.
“I think that we may well have drafted, you know, one of the most thoughtful cannabis ordinances that have been passed in the state of Connecticut,” said member Shanahan.
Under the regulations, the mayor must designate smoking spots before the rules go into effect. Goldstein said that no decision has been made yet on their locations.
The ordinance also created the Norwalk Cannabis Account, which by state law will fund educational programs and mental health and addiction services using the 3 percent municipal sales tax from retailers.
“There are strings attached to these monies whereby the money has to be spent on a certain number of stated purposes,” Goldstein explained.
He said while the council is constrained in determining where the revenue goes, organizations have the ability to apply for funding. He said applications will be reviewed in a nonpartisan grant process with city oversight.
But member…
