The future of marijuana sales in Norwich remains uncertain as council members weigh the pros and cons of voting in legislation that would allow retail and on site consumption establishments to open within city limits. (Photo by Sarah Giglio)

NORWICH — Council members convened for their monthly joint committee meeting on August 3, and discussed the recent legalization of recreational marijuana use.

The decision they're facing is whether or not to allow retail sale and on-site consumption establishments for marijuana products. The city has until the end of the year to opt in or out, but the decision is not so black and white.

Alderman Matthew Caldwell explained that, with the way the legislation is written, if municipalities choose to opt out of allowing marijuana retail stores and consumption establishments within the city, they can always choose to opt in at a later time. However, if the city were to opt in from the beginning, there would be no option to repeal that decision in the future.

Due to this rule, Caldwell explained he is not comfortable voting for retail marijuana sales at this time.

"Unless the state were to change this, we may always have to allow it," he explained. "To allow retail sales in the city despite some of the possible tax, sales tax advantages, I think until we get a better feel for what the state's gonna do with their commission and oversight, I think we're probably best served to opt out right now, go through the process."

Other council members, however, disagreed. Alderman David Zieno argued that marijuana sales would be heavily regulated, much like alcohol.