Court ruling voids cannabis buffer zone ordinance section
The Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission addressed regulatory gaps from a court decision voiding the cannabis ordinance's buffer zone provision.
Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission · Meeting of March 4, 2026
MALDEN — The Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission addressed regulatory gaps from a court decision voiding the cannabis ordinance's buffer zone provision. Chair Ron Hogan reported the court struck Section 12.12.190, leaving "blank spots in the ordinance which must now be rewritten," effectively stalling pending applications including from Benevolent Botanicals. The company's representative argued it should proceed, but Hogan said legal interpretation belongs to the city's Legal Department.
In another ordinance matter, Hogan reported a conflict between an initial five-license limit and a cap at 20 percent of liquor licenses. Members Jeong and Summers reported the delivery application period for Social Equity applicants was extended. The commission unanimously approved prior meeting minutes.
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Source: the Cannabis Licensing and Enforcement Commission meeting of March 4, 2026, compiled from the official minutes.
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