City Council Restricts Marijuana Vending Machines, Prescriptions

City councilors passed two amendments to the city's medical marijuana regulations Tuesday, expanding Malden's restrictive regulations to include businesses prescribing marijuana and any vending machine dispensing the substance.

The original regulations were unanimously approved during the council's Jan. 15 meeting, and confine medical marijuana dispensaries to the city's industrial corridor – mostly, along Eastern Ave. and some southern parts of the Malden River.

Any operations within those industrial zones must also be 300 feet from any school, public park, playground or residence.

The restrictions are aimed at making Malden an unattractive location for medical marijuana providers while avoiding potential legal challenges that could arise from an outright ban, Councilor Jim Nestor said. 

Councillor Steven Ultrino told those in attendance he proposed the new amendments after discussions with concerned constituents and City Planner Michelle Romero.