China News: Planners approve marijuana growing facility

by Mary Grow

China Planning Board members have approved Nathan White’s application to grow marijuana for medical purposes in a former store at 306 Route 3, after a short Dec. 13 public hearing that allowed interested residents to ask questions and comment on the proposal.

In response to questions, White said he is allowed only one employee, who will be hired later. He plans no changes to the exterior of the building; there will be no public access or traffic and no odors, noise, waste or other potentially harmful or annoying effects. Security measures will include the watchfulness of the neighbor in the adjacent house, cameras and door sensors.

Planning Board Chairman James Wilkens said board members have reviewed state regulations for licensed medical marijuana caregivers, which govern White’s project. White’s father, Carrol White, said a few years ago he would not have favored his son growing medical marijuana, but having seen how its use helps patients get off other medication, he is now a supporter. One of Nathan White’s patients agreed and praised White specifically for researching individual needs and providing the types of marijuana most helpful in improving his clients’ lives.

The four planning board members at the Dec. 13 meeting voted unanimously that the project met all criteria in China’s ordinance and granted the permit.

After the application review, board members talked about how to improve their process. They decided to reinstate the visioning sessions they used to hold every year or so, at which they reviewed members’ interests and areas of expertise, board goals and procedures and the need – or not – to recommend changes in town ordinances.

A visioning session is likely to be scheduled in January 2017. The next board meeting is set for Tuesday evening, Dec. 27.