A public hearing continues in Bethel tonight about the medical marijuana dispensary coming to Garella Road in Bethel.  The Zoning Board of Appeals held its initial hearing on the case June 18th and it continues tonight at 7pm in the General Purpose Room of the Municipal Center.  Philip Lombino and Michael Moore filed an appeal of the Zoning Enforcement Officer approving and application for a zoning Permit filed by Angela D'Amico and Karen Barski. 

Monroe-based D&B Wellness Compassion and Care Center won approval in May as one of only six dispensaries licensed in the state. 

The location is zoned for retail use and town officials say the dispensary is considered a pharmacy and therefore a permitted use.  The appeal says the state imposes specific location and operation criteria on dispensaries that are different from retail mandates, because the general public will not be patronizing the facility. 

The plans call for a high level of security and to be operated as an "appointment only" facility and would employ a pharmacist, receptionist and a counselor to educate patients about dosage and alternative therapies.  There will also be a full time security guard.  Video surveillance and other security features will be in place.

The kinds of products that can be sold at dispensaries are very specific and is limited to those prepackaged from licensed manufacturers.  It's meant to treat tremors, Parkinsons, MS and epilepsy.  

There are also strict security requirements in place, all detailed among 76 pages of state regulations.