Abreu Wants New Bedford in the Medical Marijuana Game

New Bedford Councillor-at-Large Ian Abreu wants to see New Bedford get back in the game when it comes to the medical marijuana industry.

Abreu is asking the Council's Committee on Appointments and Briefings to meet with representatives of the Cannabis Society to talk about locating medical marijuana facilities in New Bedford.

Abreu says with pending legislation and a ballot question on recreational marijuana, he wants to see New Bedford set up for the next tier of availability. "I don't want to see these types of facilities and these job creators go into Fall River and Brockton and all these surrounding communities while New Bedford, where we now have a chance to strike when the iron is hot, (becomes) the bridesmaid again," says Abreu.

Abreu says the residents of New Bedford voted overwhelmingly for medical marijuana in 2012, yet no cultivation centers or dispensaries exist in the immediate area.

The council will discuss the proposal at Thursday night's meeting.