A first-in-the-state local ballot question will ask Haverhill voters this fall to approve on-site, commercial cannabis usage.
The unusual ballot question, authorized under state cannabis statutes in recent years, would benefit local retailer, Stem of Haverhill, if city voters approve this fall. As WHAV first reported more than a year ago, Stem seeks to renovate its 124 Washington St. building to accommodate an on-site cannabis consumption lounge. Owner Caroline Pineau said Friday the city certified that at least 10% of voters signed the petition to place the question before voters in November. During a recent appearance on WHAV’s morning program, Pineau explained why she chose to go directly to voters.
“Were moving forward with a ballot initiative for the simple reason that we can’t depend on the city to move forward with social consumption ordinances despite to voters of Haverhill supporting legalization by a large margin in 2016,” she said.
Stem ran into city procedural objections in May when Pineau sought zoning approval for the state’s first on-site cannabis consumption lounge.
She said Friday, “We are beyond happy that so many Haverhill voters made their opinion known by signing our petition to bring safe, regulated social consumption to the city. I think they recognize the basic fairness of giving cannabis consumers similar options as those going into a restaurant or café for a cocktail.”
Between now and the final election day, state law requires the question, to appear on the ballot along with a “fair and concise summary of the question to be prepared by the city solicitor.”
Pineau said she submitted more than 5,200 signatures of registered Haverhill voters, more than enough to meet a requirement of 3,160 certified to get the question on the ballot. The city certified 3,532 signatures.
“We are the first municipality to put a social consumption question on the ballot and we could become the first city to host a social consumption site, with all the extra tax revenue and job creation that comes with it. This is Haverhill’s opportunity to set an example for other cities to follow,” Pineau said.
The binding question “would allow consumption of marijuana and marijuana products on the premises where sold, subject to the reasonable limitations established by the city,” according to a summary provided to Pineau by the Haverhill City Clerk’s office.