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Lowell officials drafting marijuana zoning plan

LOWELL, Mass. — There are rising concerns in one major city over recreational marijuana and the absence of laws preventing where businesses can set up shop.

Currently, Lowell has no laws regulating where marijuana shops can open and that has some residents worried, even those who support recreational marijuana.

“I believe it’s a wonderful thing, but for it to get into the wrong hands of the kids, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” said resident Patricia Watson.

>>MORE: What's in the Mass. marijuana law signed by Gov. Baker?

The Lowell City Manager Kevin Murphy tells Boston 25 News they are drafting a zoning plan to prevent pot shops from opening near schools and students. They also plan to limit the number of shops within the city. He says the city will not move forward with any agreement until the city council votes on a zoning plan, but he believes once the plan is in place, recreational marijuana could bring in revenue and jobs.

“I’ve had a number of companies contact us. I've met with them. I've told them all we're developing this zoning plan and we're not going to move forward until the city council approves it and only then will we talk with them,” said Murphy.

>>MORE: See which towns predominantly voted against recreational marijuana

Murphy says they’re also working with the police department to address any security concerns, but told Boston 25 they’ve had few incidents at Patriot Care, their one medical marijuana dispensary.

“You don't want people breaking into these facilities. They’ve reviewed all their security and are happy with what Patriot Care has done so far,” said Murphy.

Murphy says the city plans to present a zoning plan to city councilors next month. Regarding the opioid epidemic, Murphy says he’s not worried that recreational marijuana will hurt their efforts to fight the epidemic.