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Let the Committee Know

The Deep River Planning and Zoning Board has elected to continue to allow the black market sale of cannabis at dozens of locations in the town. Approved locations include the Deep River landing, Route 9 commuter lot, Deep River waste treatment plant parking lot, Cumberland Farms, Dunkin Donuts, Devitt Field, Plattwood Park, Fountain Hill Cemetery plus countless other undisclosed locations. In the same ruling, the town approved the growing use of opioids and other controlled substances. The ruling rejected roughly $20,600 in local tax revenue by approving the continued black market sale of cannabis products, which are known to reduce opioid use.

Other towns on the shoreline are considering the same endorsement of black market cannabis sales including a moratorium passed in Chester. Essex has yet to make a decision on the promotion of black market sale of cannabis products at locations such as Sunset Pond, Route 9 commuter lot, Steamboat Dock, Essex Town Park, Ivoryton Town Park, Essex Industrial Park, former Colonial Market lot, and other undisclosed locations. Those supporting the black market sale of cannabis products can contact the Essex Planning and Zoning Committee to express their support for the black market trade and rejection of roughly $28,000 in local revenue annually.

Those opposed to the black market sales of unregulated, untested and untaxed cannabis can contact the Essex Planning and Zoning Committee at 860-767-4340 or attend a meeting in person or virtually on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Essex Town Hall. Let the Committee know that you support the licensing of legal cannabis retail locations in the town.

Trevor Hilliar

Essex