This is a letter written to the Deep River Planning & Zoning Commission (PZC) about proposed Section 4.16.8 (“Prohibited Uses”) to prohibit Cannabis Retailer and Hybrid Retailer businesses in all Zoning districts.

If added, this new Section will result in a ban of legal sales of marijuana across Deep River, even though state law now makes sale of recreational marijuana legal across Connecticut. The ban amounts to marijuana prohibition in Deep River, similar to historical alcohol prohibition. It denies the eventual future of the town, which will include a free trade in marijuana products.

The proposed ban is anti-economic development in Deep River. Doesn’t the PZC support adding new businesses in town? The proposed ban ignores the amounts of cash that a marijuana shop could make and the customers the shop could attract to the town and its businesses.

The proposed ban gives tacit approval the underground market of marijuana in town. To think that there isn’t one is pure denial. I think the local police should welcome a legal marijuana shop, since it would lessen their tasks.

Adding Section 4.16.8 won’t stop the future. So, let’s embrace it.

Sue Huybensz

Deep River