I’ve heard Brookline is a “yes” community- what is a “yes” community, and how does living in a “yes” community impact me?

A majority (59.98%) of Brookline residents voted “Yes” to Question 4 on the 2016 State election ballot to legalize adult-use Marijuana, making Brookline a “Yes” community. “No” communities are those in which the majority of residents voted “No” to Question 4. 

A “Yes” community could not place certain controls on Marijuana Retailers (businesses that sell Marijuana directly to the consumer) unless those limitations were approved by BOTH Town Meeting AND via a Town-wide referendum.

In preparation of the State's July 1, 2018 deadline (when recreational marijuana could be legally sold to consumers), Town Boards, Committees, and Departments worked proactively to introduce a series of Warrant Articles to create a regulatory process for Marijuana Establishments. Warrant Articles 17 to 22 were approved at the May 2018 Annual Town Meeting. 

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1. I’ve heard Brookline is a “yes” community- what is a “yes” community, and how does living in a “yes” community impact me?
2. What are the rules for marijuana establishments?
3. How were the town by-laws drafted?
4. Where can marijuana establishments locate in Brookline?
5. What does a licensing scheme do?
6. What is the maximum number of marijuana retailers in town?
7. Why set a cap of 20% for marijuana retailers?
8. Why can’t we ban all marijuana establishments?
9. Can people consume marijuana in public?
10. Will this ban my use of marijuana in my home?
11. Can people consume marijuana in restaurants?
12. Can an existing store also sell marijuana?
13. Can i just walk in and buy recreational marijuana?
14. Are marijuana establishments secure?
15. How do I apply for license to open a marijuana establishment in Brookline?
16. How do I stay informed through the public process in respect to future marijuana licenses?