Council Tables Haverhill Marijuana Shop, Zoning Talk Until January

(File photograph.)

Haverhill city councilors Tuesday placed a marijuana ordinance governing zoning and use in the city on file for 10 days at Tuesday night’s meeting. (File photograph)

An ordinance governing the use and zoning of recreational marijuana in the City of Haverhill has been placed on file for at least 10 days, with the City Council opting Tuesday night to table further discussion until early January.

The decision comes after months of back-and-forth discussion about where and in what manner marijuana use can take place in the city. As the ordinance drafted by City Solicitor William D. Cox Jr. stands, up to six locations—including retail shops and marijuana cultivators—may open in the city, with downtown’s Washington Street among the areas zoned for retail purposes.

Councilors did not discuss the ordinance’s particulars Tuesday, instead placing it on file for a minimum of 10 days. The proposed ordinance and zoning areas will be reviewed by the city Planning Board at a Jan. 9 public hearing, before the Council has a final say on Jan. 15.

Those business owners looking to open up in Haverhill must wait until zoning is confirmed and file a host agreement with the city for consideration. All businesses must also file for a state license through the Cannabis Control Commission.