CHINA: Decision on trailer-based marijuana dispensary postponed

by Mary Grow

After a 20-minute Nov. 24 public hearing during which one person testified remotely, China Planning Board members postponed a decision on Giovanni DelVecchio’s application to set up a trailer-based medical marijuana dispensary on Route 3.

DelVecchio, doing business as Weed on Wheels (WOW) Maine, has applied to use a travel trailer parked in front of the former restaurant, at 857 Route 3, as a dispensary. Board members inspected the trailer at its temporary location in Augusta on Nov. 21.

Abutter Russell Varin told board members and DelVecchio he is concerned about the impact on the neighborhood, and especially on his young grandchildren, if patients start taking their medication on the grounds. DelVecchio said no smoking will be allowed on the grounds, and that people don’t take medication as soon as they buy it. Varin countered that he often sees people medicating themselves in pharmacy parking lots.

DelVecchio added that a trailer is appropriate in a small-town setting, that offering the service in China means people need not risk coronavirus exposure in a city and that the small size of the trailer is another factor minimizing contact with other people.

Board members focused on a different issue after Chairman Randall Downer closed the hearing and opened discussion. Retiring Codes Officer Bill Butler, who did not take part in the Nov. 24 virtual meeting, had sent board members an email saying under state law, a travel trailer is not a legal base for such a business.

The information from Mark Desjardin, a Field Investigator for the state’s Office of Marijuana Policy, said by law a retail caregiver store must have “a fixed location” and a mobile unit like a travel trailer does not count as a fixed location, even if the owner does not plan to move it.

DelVecchio said he had contrary information by email from Desjardin. Planning board members voted unanimously that they would continue discussion of DelVecchio’s application only after he submitted a certified letter from Desjardin saying state officials consider the trailer to be compliant with state law.

In the only other business Nov. 24, Downer reported that new codes officer Jaime Hanson will take over Nov. 30, and board members unanimously expressed appreciation to Butler for all his help and guidance – “fabulously helpful,” Downer said – and wished him a happy retirement

The next regular China Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Dec. 8, and is expected again to be a zoom meeting.