This afternoon’s weather is bringing more than just blue skies. With temperatures rising into the 70s and possibly brushing the low 80s, Watertown is buzzing with both sunshine and civic change. As residents enjoy a beautiful day outdoors, the city council is making headlines by revisiting a years-old decision that once disallowed cannabis shops from opening within city limits.
Until now, Watertown stood out as one of the few communities in the region still blocking cannabis shops. That policy dated back several years, when legal cannabis was new to the state and many communities were uncertain about how the industry would affect public health, safety, and the local economy. But, just like the warm weather rolling in this week, attitudes are changing.
In an interview ahead of the council meeting, Mayor Sarah Pierce explained that the city had gathered far more data on the issue since the original ban. Officials have watched how cannabis shops in neighboring towns operate, how they are regulated, and how they contribute to tax revenues. “We’ve seen firsthand that well-run cannabis shops can fit seamlessly into a community,” Pierce said, noting that the council’s priority is balancing economic opportunity with public safety.
During the public hearing portion of the meeting, residents voiced a range of opinions. Some welcomed the idea of bringing cannabis shops to town, citing job creation and additional revenue for schools and infrastructure. Others remained cautious, urging the city to implement strict licensing and zoning controls to ensure that cannabis shops maintain high standards of compliance and security.
If the new ordinance passes, Watertown could begin accepting applications from prospective owners of cannabis shops as early as next spring. Local entrepreneurs are already expressing interest, seeing this as a chance to meet growing demand while keeping business close to home rather than losing customers to other towns.
It’s a striking moment of transformation for the city. Much like the shift from a chilly morning to a warm afternoon, Watertown’s move toward allowing cannabis shops shows how communities evolve with time and experience. Whether residents are for or against the change, the conversation itself signals a maturing approach to cannabis policy—one based less on fear and more on facts. And under today’s bright skies, that progress feels as refreshing as the weather itself.
