Danbury's proposed moratorium on recreational marijuana sales in the City has moved one step closer to being put in place.  The Danbury Planning Commission on Wednesday voted unanimously on a positive referral for the proposed moratorium. The Zoning Commission will hold a public hearing Tuesday via Zoom on the issue. 

Some members of the Planning Commission this week asked if it needs to be a full year in length, or if the matter could be pushed along so Danbury doesn't miss out if surrounding communities move forward on recreational sales.  Planning Director Sharon Calitro says it would be a year or less because they understand those potential economic impacts. 

Other members though questioned the implications to the health and welfare of Danbury residents. 

If approved by the Zoning Commission, Danbury’s moratorium would prohibit applications, petitions and issuances of permits related to cannabis establishments for a year or less.  Calitro says they've already found discrepancies in dates in the legislation, so she wants time to contact the state to clear up the matter. 

Medical dispensaries are permitted under existing zoning regulations, but those businesses are now allowed to apply to sell recreational pot under the recreational cannabis bill.  The moratorium would apply to new medical marijuana applications as well.   Calitro says the new legislation means the already approved medical facility could become something different than they thought it would be.