Diana Stricker Photo
Branford’s Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) unanimously approved a proposal for a medical marijuana dispensary to open on East Main Street—if the site is one of the few that receive state licensing approval.
Pharmacist Nick Tamborrino (pictured above) of Fairfield presented his business plan at a public hearing conducted by the P&Z Thursday night. The Bluepoint Apothecary LLC would be located at 469 East Main St., in a separate section of the building that houses Planet Fitness.
“I strongly believe it’s an ideal location,” Tamborrino told the commission. He said New Haven County has the largest number of patients certified for medical marijuana use, and the site has easy access from Interstate 95.
The state legislature approved the use of medical marijuana by a 117-64 vote in May 2012, and the governor signed it into law. The state approved regulations in August, which have been termed the most rigorous in the nation.
Tamborrino is one of 21 applicants who are seeking state licensure at a total of 26 possible locations statewide. The Branford site is the only one that Tamborrino submitted to the state. The state Department of Consumer Protection, which will award licenses for up to only five dispensaries, is expected to make decisions about site applications by early next year.
Not A Head Shop
He said the Branford dispensary would sell marijuana in a smokeable form, ointments, tablets or patches. He said no pipes or marijuana paraphernalia would be sold at his dispensary, even though the state allows it. “I am going for a professional setting,” he said. “We are not looking to open a head shop in Branford.”
According to the state’s web site, as of Nov. 18 there were a total of 1,343 patients certified to purchase medical marijuana in Connecticut, with 408 in New Haven County.
Tamborrino said patients would schedule monthly appointments to fill their prescriptions, and he anticipates about 14 patients a day would use the site. Only patients or their care-givers would be allowed in the facility, which would be open Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This program is focused on medical use,” said Tamborrino, who would be the managing pharmacist at the dispensary. He said state regulations permit medical marijuana for patients with conditions such as cancer, glaucoma, HIV, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Tamborrino described his passion for being a pharmacist and aiding patients. “I put the needs of the patient first,” he said.
“We also plan to offer wellness counseling” and would hold seminars for patients and physicians, he said.
Tamborrino outlined other state regulations: Patients must be at least 18 years old be Connecticut residents. Prescriptions are limited to a one-month supply of 2.5 ounces.
McGuigan Poses Questions
“I do have a lot of questions,” said P&Z board Chairman Ellsworth McGuigan, asking if any other medications would be sold. Tamborrino said the state wants medical marijuana to be the only medication sold at the dispensaries.
McGuigan expressed concern for the safety of patients who exit the facility. “They’ll have a one-month stash when they leave,” he said.
Tamborrino said marijuana products will be stored in a vault, and a plainclothes security person will patrol the interior and exterior of the dispensary. “We will be placing a strong emphasis on safety,” he said. In addition, he said they will not be advertising the facility. “Registered patients will know where to get their medications.”
“I have some concerns about the tenants that are there already,” McGuigan said in regard to Planet Fitness. “It doesn’t seem to mesh with what you’re trying to do.”
Jacey Wyatt, who founded the Independent Branford Voters coalition, also voiced concerns about the location. “A high traffic gym might not be the best place for it,” she said.
Planet Fitness Weighs In
Jerry Mastrangelo, who owns both the building and the Planet Fitness franchise, said he has spoken to many gym members and they had no objections. “The last thing we would do is jeopardize our business,” he told the commission. “We would not jeopardize the happiness and safety of our members.”
The site in question is in the rear portion of the Planet Fitness building, and has a separate entrance. It previously housed a beauty parlor and a massage therapy facility.
Stony Creek resident Linda Reed said she knows that an industrial zone permits medical facilities, but she wasn’t sure that a marijuana dispensary falls into that category. “Are we looking at a use that’s even permitted?” she asked.
Charles Andres, a P&Z member and an attorney, said he initially had the same question regarding zoning use. However, he said he looked at the regulations and definitions and he believes that a medical marijuana dispensary fits the description of a medical establishment.
Several people, including area pharmacists, spoke in favor of the proposal and of Tamborrino’s character.
“I can speak to his intelligence and his character,” said Branford resident Judy Stengel, who is a pharmacy technician. “He’s passionate about his business and he’s really passionate about his patients.”
Andres made a motion to approve the proposal, since it is a permitted use in that zone. He did stipulate one condition—that no paraphernalia be sold in the facility. McGuigan said the state is regulating the facility, and that the proposed use meets P&Z regulations. “It’s pretty well thought-out,” McGuigan said after the presentation.
“I’m one step closer,” Tamborrino told the Eagle following the meeting.
Some towns, who haven’t been as welcoming as Branford, have enacted moratoriums on any applications for medical marijuana facilities until local officials have time to study the local and state regulations. Among those with moratoriums are North Branford, Ansonia, Shelton, West Hartford, and Westport. Click here to read a story about that issue in the CT News Junkie.
Diana Stricker Photo
In other business, long-time P&Z (pictured)member Phil Fischer announced his retirement from the commission. “I feel it’s time to move on,” he said, adding he has served 28 years. His current term expired in 2016.
“I’m sorry to see you go,” McGuigan said. “You will be missed.”
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