Lanesborough Planners, Cannabis Dispensary at Odds Over Signage
LANESBOROUGH, Mass. — The signage at Liberty Market Dispensary has caught the attention of the Planning Board, which argues it violates state Cannabis Control Commission regulations, despite the business saying it is in compliance.
The board discussed the signage of the 25 North Main St. store extensively last Tuesday, with concerns expressed about words such as cannabis, edibles and flower being present on the signage and the violation of town signage bylaws.
But the cannabis dispensary's AnnMarie Belair, the chief operating officer, said she was unaware of the meeting or that the business was on the agenda. She found out after the fact and didn't understand why the dispensary had not been notified it was an agenda item so it could respond to planners' concerns.
On Thursday, she said the CCC has inspected and approved the dispensary several times since its opening, most recently in December.
"As clear by the public billboards everywhere, signs and company names which include the word cannabis, the word CANNABIS is 100 percent compliant," she said. "The words have been on the building for every inspection the CCC has done."
The word "cannabis" appears in two places on the front of the building along with the products available, such as tinctures and edibles.
Lanesborough's Consulting Planner Andrew Groff told the board at its meeting that someone could reach out to the CCC about the signage. He was unsure if and to what extent the board would be able to file a complaint.
"We inquired with the CCC but never filed a formal complaint or anything," he said. "We inquired for confirmation. I think that is an avenue we can explore."
The CCC's regulations regarding signage state that medical symbols, images of marijuana products, related images that are appealing to people under 21 years old and colloquial references are prohibited. Additionally, all signage must follow state and local ordinances and requirements.
Board member Barbara Davis-Hassan said she believed the signage, as it is currently, goes too far with its language.
"They seem to push the limits on the signage more than anything, which to me, the protection of children not to be influenced by, they go right as if it doesn't exist," she said.
The signage, according to Belair, achieves the opposite of Hassan's concern; she said the signage helps people distinguish Liberty Market as a dispensary. She said people often mistake it for a conventional market, in part because the building is the location of the former Lanesborough Super Market. About $1 million has gone into renovations to the property.
"The words on the building are extremely important, as my company name does not indicate cannabis," Belair said. "And the location, being a former market, the words on the building mitigate anyone under 21 pulling in thinking it is a traditional market."
The discussion of Liberty Market was one part of an ongoing discussion by the planners regarding town signage and banner violations. Dechaine said Building Inspector Rick Reid was supposed to send letters to several town businesses about signage violations last month but was unsure if he had done so.
"Unfortunately, we don't have him here to ask what is going on," Dechaine said. "Why, 60 days later, do we still have no action on enforcement?"
Davis-Hassan attempted to call Reid during the meeting but did not get a response. A lack of enforcement is what the board considers the biggest reason for businesses not following bylaws.
"A big part of the whole problem right now is that if you don't get slapped on the hand or fined, you keep doing things violating the regulations, and you know that you can get away with it, you are going to keep doing it," Davis-Hassan said.
Editor's note: a partial quote by Davis-Hassan was deleted as she was referring to a marketing effort different from the current signage.
Tags: Planning Board, signage,
