MAC: Marijuana will be big business

Did you know …

If you are interested in setting up a marijuana dispensary operation, which experts estimate will be a $1 billion a year business in Massachusetts, you would have to put up to $500,000 in escrow and pay $30,000 in non-refundable fees. A state selection committee will pick a total of 35 applicants out of the 181 that have already applied for the dispensary permits. According to the new state law, which we voted for and passed, each county (there are 14 in Massachusetts) must have at least one, but no more than five dispensaries where marijuana and marijuana-infused products may be cultivated, processed, and grown. Many communities, including Canton, have adopted moratoriums and have designated zones limiting where dispensaries would be allowed. Believe it or not, the state is counting on the marijuana business for jobs, economic investments, and the sales estimated at $1 billion a year. MAC wonders if Canton and other municipalities’ officials understand the issues at hand and the magnitude of the new marijuana law.

State casino license applicants have until December 31 to submit their applications, which must include a host community agreement and a successful referendum vote.

Temple Beth Abraham will host its 25^th annual Canton Fall Classic Road Race on Sunday, October 27, starting at 10 a.m. There will be a 10k, 5k, and a 2k fun run for the kids. For an application or further race information, go to www.cantonfallclassic.com or call Rich Zides at 781-828-7284.

Canton resident Denise Arsenault recently hit a hole-in-one at Wampatuck Country Club. Arsenault aced the par 3 fifth hole — the signature hole of the course and the one that travels across a cove in Reservoir Pond.

As we all know by now, the Canton Board of Health voted to raise the age for purchasing tobacco products from 18 to 21, and they also banned non-medical nicotine delivery products, which include dissolvable nicotine tablets and snus, a powder tobacco product. Canton is one of only a handful of towns in Massachusetts to change the age to 21. The new bylaw will take effect January 1, 2014. It includes a “sunset provision” that would repeal the regulation if it were proven to be ineffective. Opponents of the new bylaw point out that those between the ages of 18 and 21 are adults, and they are being deprived of the opportunity to purchase tobacco products. Critics also point out that businesses in Canton will suffer, as smokers will buy the products in communities that do not implement the new regulations. Some area towns are considering adopting other tougher options, such as banning the sale of cigarettes from stores with pharmacies or health care institutions, vending machines, and educational institutions, including colleges and universities. As one health official pointed out, “The mission of the Board of Health is public health.”

Grant Holman threw a no-hitter to lead Chula Vista, California, over Grosse Point, Michigan, 3-0 in a recent Little League World Series game in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Holman is listed at 6’4”, 216 pounds, while the pitcher for Grosse Point, Chad Lorkowski, is listed at 6’3” and 219 pounds. Remember, we are talking about 12-year-old boys! Chula Vista lost in the Little League World Series championship game to Japan 6-4.

The Canton Men’s Softball League had to have a playoff to determine the regular season champion, as Halfway Cafe and Hannington’s both finished with identical 18-1 records. In the playoff, Halfway clinched first place with a 17-2 win. The two teams are now competing in the best-of-seven championship series and were tied with one win apiece entering this week.

The Canton Women’s Softball League’s final regular season standings listed the American Legion team in first place with a 13-2 record.

A new season of the Canton Senior Men’s Bowling League starts on Monday, September 9, at 9:30 a.m. at the Norwood Lanes. All new bowlers are welcome. If interested, just head over to the Norwood Lanes on September 9.

Canton Police and Dunkin’ Brands, headquartered in Canton, are offering a $2,500 reward for help in the capture and conviction of a man suspected in armed robberies at two Dunkin’ Donuts in Canton and ten other area towns this summer. Canton Police Chief Ken Berkowitz said that the same man appears to have robbed all 12 shops. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Canton Police Department at 781-828-1214 ext. 300 or 303.

The Canton School Committee is looking for funds to repair the Canton High School tennis courts. The committee will seek aid from the Board of Selectmen and may apply for funding from the Community Preservation Act.

ION the Ball, which owns the I-95 billboard sign in Canton, recently donated $25,000 to the town and will donate an additional $75,000 by October 1. The monies donated will be under the control of the Board of Selectmen.

Nicole Hannington was recently awarded a Juris Doctor degree from the New England School of Law in Boston. Nicole is the daughter of Attorney Glen and Louise Hannington.

When you don’t have a good reason for doing a thing, you have one good reason for letting it alone.

This is all for now folks. See you next week.

Joe DeFelice can be reached at manaboutcanton@aol.com.

Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=22201

Posted by Joe DeFelice on Sep 5 2013. Filed under Featured Content, Man About Canton, Opinion. Both comments and pings are currently closed.