HANSON — Oct. 5, 2026 — Hanson voters at Monday’s Special Town Meeting approved limited recreational marijuana delivery on a counted vote of 53-33 and indefinitely postponed a $250,000 water exploration request, 72-6. They also approved spending for security cameras, police cruisers and other equipment, along with a revised accessory dwelling unit bylaw.
The Full Story
The marijuana question, Article 32, was the last item at Hanson Middle School. The informational warrant described a process through which towns without retail marijuana licenses may request a temporary delivery waiver from the Cannabis Control Commission. The Select Board and Finance Committee deferred the decision to Town Meeting in their printed recommendations.
Asked whether the article covered medical or recreational marijuana, town counsel said it concerned recreational marijuana delivered from a retailer to a Hanson home. Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett explaining the Select Board’s position said the board would seek a waiver if Town Meeting rejected delivery.
Annette Benenato urged a no vote, pointing to earlier local votes against marijuana dispensaries and delivery.
We’ve already voted at three different town meetings and once at the ballot box.
— Annette Benenato 1:17:14
Joe O’Sullivan opposed the article, citing concern that gummies and chocolate bars appeal to young people. Select Board member Ed Heal argued that the state should not override Hanson’s earlier decisions.
Supporters framed delivery as a question of personal choice. Select Board member Frank Milisi described drivers wearing body cameras and carrying locked containers, then said:
It’s all about civil liberties.
— Frank Milisi, Select Board 1:29:08
Select Board member Joe Weeks asked voters to consider what kind of town they wanted Hanson to be. Moderator Sean Kealy first declared Article 32 adopted on a voice vote, then invited a motion for a count. Tellers counted yellow cards, and the moderator announced 53 in favor and 33 opposed.
Earlier, Article 7 sought $250,000 from water enterprise receipts for further work on a possible well site off Old Pine Drive. Joe Campbell argued that the town should account for earlier exploration spending, which the voter put at more than $1 million since the late 1990s, and address existing water contamination before pursuing a second well.
The moderator advised that postponing indefinitely was the appropriate motion, rather than passing over the article. Campbell changed the motion, and the moderator announced it carried on a hand count, 72-6.
