Mitchell Supports Marijuana Manufacture, Not Dispensary

Mayor Jon Mitchell says he supports a medical marijuana cultivation center, but not a retail dispensary in New Bedford.

In a letter sent to Massachusetts Department of Public Health Commissioner Cheryl Bartlett, Mitchell says after meetings with dispensary representatives and city officials, he feels a dispensary in the city would negatively effect neighborhood quality of life, crime rates, and the city's overall reputation. Mitchell says he believes the costs to New Bedford associated with a dispensary outweigh the reputed benefits.

Also in the letter, Mitchell did say he would be supportive of a medical marijuana cultivation center, as long as it's located in a rural industrial area such as the New Bedford Business Park. He adds he has discussed the idea with each of the applicants he has met with.