Woolwich officials are considering surveying citizens before moving forward on any marijuana ordinance. The select and planning boards discussed the issue in a workshop Monday evening.

“Maine Municipal Association is urging communities to go slowly because it’s a complicated issue,” Selectman Allen Greene said. He recently attended MMA’s annual convention in Augusta where the regulation of marijuana was a recurring topic. Cities and towns now have to opt in if they want to allow future openings of marijuana growing facilities, retail stores and social clubs. Medical marijuana businesses are state regulated but the legislature has yet to establish guidelines for the others.

Greene said Acton on the New Hampshire border did a lot of research into the issue. The expectation is once these guidelines are established, it will be a town’s responsibility to license marijuana-related businesses and carry out inspections and law enforcement.

“A town can require a large enough application fee to help defray these costs,” he said.

Selectman Jason Shaw suggested doing a community survey before attempting to draft an ordinance. “It might be better to gauge public opinion first.”

Selectmen’s Chair David King Sr. doubted any marijuana-related ordinance could be ready in time for next year’s annual town meeting. “Rules for retail marijuana licensing aren’t coming from the Maine legislature anytime soon,” added Greene.

In other business, Debbie Locke said on Saturday, Oct. 20 from 10 to 11 a.m., Woolwich Historical Society is hosting “A Conversation with Richard Leck.” Leck will discuss the former Bailey Homestead, a historic home on Mountain Road. The program will be held upstairs in the town office. Cider and donuts will be available.

Locke added the Nequasset Meeting House Committee needs several more volunteers. Interested residents should contact the town office.

The select board thanked Gaius Hennin of the Shelter institute and Tom Stoner for getting the town clock on the municipal building operational and running on time again.