Towns consider cannabis options

Rebelle Dispensary is one of several cannabis outlets in Great Barrington.
Photo by Terry Cowgill
This is the second in a series on the legalization of cannabis in Connecticut.
NORTH CANAAN — As towns across the Northwest Corner have struggled to adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic and change the way they do business, they can add another major challenge: how to handle private business interests that want to enter the retail cannabis sector or grow it for the wholesale market.
Connecticut legalized adult-use marijuana sales last year, and the state has put in place some guideposts and incentives with potential revenue streams that could be game-changers for cash-strapped towns.
Municipalities are free to regulate cannabis businesses — medical or recreational — as they would just about any other businesses. According to an analysis by the nonpartisan state Office of Legislative Research, towns may prohibit them from opening, reasonably restrict their hours and signage, restrict their proximity to religious institutions, schools, charitable institutions, hospitals, veterans’ homes or certain military establishments.
According to the Litchfield firm of Cramer & Anderson, which provides legal services to several Northwest Corner towns, a key provision of the new law stipulates that cannabis establishments must be zoned just as similar businesses would be unless municipalities regulate them through their zoning codes or ordinances.
Under Connecticut’s law, possession of 1.5 ounce of cannabis is legal. Since October 2021, medical marijuana patients have been able to grow up to three mature and three immature plants at home starting, with a cap of 12 total plants per household. By July 1, 2023, all adults will be able to grow at home under the same rules.
In neighboring Massachusetts, the cultivation, sale and use of recreational cannabis-related products was legalized through a 2016 ballot initiative.
Cramer & Anderson says it’s also worth noting that, unlike in the Bay State, municipalities in Connecticut that allow micro-cultivators and adult-use cannabis stores “are subject to a cap that limits operations to one retailer and one micro-cultivator for every 25,000 municipal residents until July 1, 2024.” In addition, successful applicants must obtain a special permit from the town for both retail and cultivation uses.
But we’re still in uncharted territory with implications that are controversial, and towns are scrambling to craft appropriate regulations, ban cannabis operations altogether or enact moratoriums on cannabis applications to give planning and zoning commissions time to amend zoning codes that match this challenge.
Hearst Connecticut Media conducted a survey early this year and found that, of Connecticut’s 169 cities and towns, 22 have established bans on sales and cultivation, while 53 have enacted moratoriums on applications.
In Kent, retail stores are prohibited from selling recreational cannabis. In January, Sharon passed a six-month moratorium. Danbury passed a one-year moratorium last July. In Norfolk, a public hearing was held earlier this month to allow public input on several zoning proposals, one of which would regulate the retail sale of cannabis, Tom Fahsbender, chair of the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), told The Lakeville Journal.
But perhaps the most interesting case lies in North Canaan, where the Planning & Zoning Commission held a public hearing in May on a proposed temporary moratorium on cannabis applications.
“We have a rare opportunity for revenue in North Canaan and in light of rising costs, especially education costs, we need to take a serious look at putting a dispensary here,” said former Selectman Susie Clayton.
The town’s taxpayers are frustrated over a steep increase this year of $745,000 in the town’s Region One assessment, placing what officials feel is an undue burden on Canaan.
Though by comparison North Canaan’s population is lower than Salisbury’s, it still has to pay substantially more to the regional school district because it sends more than twice as many students to Housatonic. In addition, Salisbury’s weighted voting power on the Region One Board of Education is higher because North Canaan’s population is lower.
The higher tax burden is compounded by the fact that North Canaan’s tax rate is higher because its property values are generally lower than Salisbury’s. North Canaan Selectman Craig Whiting said last fall that the Region One assessment is “bringing our town to its knees.”
Its unknown how much revenue the cannabis industry could bring to North Canaan.
Twenty minutes to the north, Great Barrington, which has about twice as many full-time residents as North Canaan, took in more than $1 million in the first six months after Theory Wellness, the town’s first recreational cannabis store, opened in January 2019 to long lines that snaked almost around the corner to the Price Chopper. Half a dozen others have since opened.
Great Barrington’s finance director said 12 months ago that since 2019, the town had taken in $6.7 million in cannabis revenue, though officials expect the numbers to decline should sales begin in Connecticut and in New York, where the state Legislature also legalized adult-use last year.
For some perspective, in 2019 Great Barrington’s annual budget was a little more than $30 million, including its assessment to fund the regional school district.
“This will never turn into Great Barrington,” North Canaan resident Ed Capowitz said at the hearing. “We’re allowed one facility. Why turn down that revenue?”
“Our tax bills are getting higher and I know that the ... selectmen are having trouble even trying to get the budget raised whatsoever because there’s just not enough money to go around,” added Ruth Adotte. “So what I’m saying is it would help with the taxes.”
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which regulates cannabis, has laid out the taxing scheme for retail cannabis sales: the standard 6.35% sales tax levied on most retail items, a 3% sales tax dedicated to the city or town where the sale occurs, and a tax based on THC content that will cost approximately 10 to 15% of the sale price.
The state estimates the total cumulative taxes paid on cannabis purchases to be roughly 20% of the retail price.
Tim Abbott, who chairs the North Canaan P&Z, said no applications have been received yet. Weeks after the public hearing in May, the commission voted unanimously to enact an eight-month moratorium on cannabis applications to give the panel time to draw up regulations, such as which parts of town are appropriate for cannabis, hours of operation, signage and recovering costs for additional policing.
“These are the areas where we have some control,” Abbott said, who said he is neutral on whether to allow sales and cultivation of the product.
A townwide referendum on whether to allow cannabis sales and/or cultivation is tentatively slated for November. If it passes, Abbott expects the regulations should be ready for review by March 2023.
Abbott emphasized that, “Kicking the can down the road isn’t the purpose of a moratorium. It buys you time to do your due diligence, to educate yourself as a commission, to know the law, to see what it might look like in the event that the new change happens.”
The sentiment among Canaanites could spur action. Some residents at May’s public hearing objected even to a moratorium. Lyle Kloke said he thought the commission was “negligent” in not addressing the issue even sooner.
AMENIA — The first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School went smoothly, with teachers enthusiastically greeting the eager young students disembarking from buses. Excitement was measurable, with only a few tears from parents, but school began anyway.
Ready for her first day of school on Thursday, Sept. 4, at Webutuck Elementary School, Liliana Cawley, 7, would soon join her second grade class, but first she posed for a photo to mark the occasion.Photo by Leila Hawken
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer said she is excited by the shift to online sales.
MILLERTON — Some might have argued that launching an in-person retail business during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic wasn’t advisable. But against all odds, Demitasse in Millerton managed not only to build a thriving, mission-based brand in a small storefront on Main Street, it developed a loyal customer base and provided a welcoming space for visitors. Last week, Demitasse announced it is closing-up shop and moving fully online.
“We are excited,” said owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, who opened Demitasse with her husband, Richard, in 2020. “Though we will miss our customers and the camaraderie on Main Street, it feels right and there was no second guessing.”
The building that houses Demitasse and neighboring Candy-O’s is on the market, leaving the future uncertain. Geer said she and Richard will continue supporting their favorite Millerton spots, now with more time to enjoy local businesses and neighbors.
Known for its carefully selected gifts and home goods, Demitasse has received frequent praise for its curation. Yet Geer is quick to deflect. “I didn’t know I was creative until I opened the store,” she joked. “When anyone talks about the curation I just point to the makers. They are the ones who create the beautiful items that hold purpose and intention. That’s what made our place special.”
The decision to open a gift shop was never part of a master plan, Geer said. “We found our way as we went along and it happened very organically.” But from day one, she knew she wanted to support marginalized artists and makers.
Demitasse owner Hayden McIntosh Geer, right, and her husband, Richard, sitting on the bench in front of the Main Street storefront. Photo by Jessica Yurko
For example, Sidai Designs, which makes beaded jewelry in Africa, provides work for 120 Maasai women and helps support their communities. Maison d’Haiti, which produces handcrafted goods in Haiti, employs nearly 100 women at fair-trade wages, giving them a reliable income through sales in the U.S. and Haiti.
One of the highlights of having a storefront — and a true testament to what she and her husband had created — came when the editor of a major culture and lifestyle magazine told Geer how much she loved shopping at Demitasse for its quality and mission-driven products.
“I could have quit right there,” Geer joked, reflecting on the highs and lows of the last five years.
Just as thoughtfully as the products were curated, every element of the store reflected care and craftsmanship. Hayden and Richard incorporated their tastes and skills into every nook and cranny, including shelving made from reclaimed wood from their home. Some of those shelves now have a new life at The Beehive, a boutique in Mount Kisco, New York.
Today, their digital shelves continue to highlight a diverse range of makers, with biographical details available on each product listing. The website carries the same aesthetic found in-store, maintaining the mission to support LGBTQ+ makers, environmentally friendly products, and Black- and women-owned businesses.
Looking ahead, Geer says, “We want people to know that if they enjoyed shopping in our store, they’ll love our website.” Shoppers can still expect beautiful gift wrapping and flexible exchange policies, and Geer is offering personal deliveries within driving distance on a limited basis.
Above all, Geer says her heart is full of gratitude for her customers. “They came in, shared life stories and became friends. We love Millerton, and I hope people will remain in touch.”
Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik shows off the new gear. Brand new police cruisers arrived last week.
MILLERTON — The Millerton Police Department has received two new patrol cars to replace vehicles destroyed in the February 2025 fire at the Village Water and Highway Department.
The new Ford Interceptors are custom-built for law enforcement. “They’re more rugged than a Ford Explorer,” said Millerton Police Chief Joseph Olenik, noting the all-wheel drive, heavy-duty suspension and larger tires and engine. “They call it the ‘Police Package.’”
Olenik worked with The Cruiser’s Division in Mamaroneck, New York, to design the vehicles.
“We really want to thank the Pine Plains Police Department for their tremendous support,” Olenik said. After the fire, “they were the first ones to come forward and offer help.”
The new police cruisers are outfitted with lights with automatically adjusting brightness to best perform in ambient conditions.Photo by Aly Morrissey
Since February, Millerton officers have been borrowing a patrol car from Pine Plains. With the new vehicles now in service, Olenik said he plans to thank Pine Plains officers by treating them to dinner at Four Brothers in Amenia and having their car detailed
AMENIA — While the courage and perseverance of Revolutionary era patriots is well understood and celebrated, the stories of the fate of British loyalists in New York are not as clear.
Seen as the initial event in observance of the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution, the Amenia Historical Society will present a talk titled, “The Plight of a Loyalist in Revolutionary New York,” examining the journal of Cadwallader Colden, Jr., spanning the period of 1777-1779. The speaker will be noted author, genealogist and historian Jay Campbell.
The talk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 27, at 2 p.m. at the Smithfield Presbyterian Church in Amenia. The handicapped-accessible church is located at 656 Smithfield Valley Road. Refreshments will be served.
Colden was the son of a New York Lieutenant Governor. He was a surveyor, farmer and mercantilist, serving as a judge in Ulster County. His fortunes changed dramatically with the dawn of the Revolutionary War when he remained loyal to the British Crown. His arrest came in 1776, just before the start of his journal.
Campbell is a historian specializing in Hudson Valley history, and the regional stories of Revolutionary era families.