Groton ― The Town of Groton, which recently passed new regulations allowing cannabis establishments in certain zones, has received two applications.

Curaleaf Groton LLC., which runs a medical marijuana dispensary at 79 Gold Star Highway, is proposing to convert the dispensary into a hybrid retailer with both medical marijuana and adult-use recreational marijuana.

“Curaleaf offers Adult Use sales at our Stamford and Hartford locations,” a Curaleaf spokesperson said in a statement. “We are actively working with Groton officials to obtain the necessary approvals to begin adult-use sales at that facility this summer.”

Botanic JAC, LLC., is proposing a retail cannabis establishment at 721 Long Hill Road. Assistant Planning Director Deborah Jones said the proposal is to use part of a vacant section of an existing building for the cannabis establishment. O’Reilly Auto Parts, operates in half of the building and won’t be changed by the application. The other half of the building is vacant, she explained.

The application notes that the site is located in a Mixed-Use Town Center zone near businesses, such as a Wendy’s Restaurant to the west, Groton Shopping Center to the north and a gas station to the east, while a rail line is to the south.

A representative for Botanic JAC could not immediately be reached for comment.

A 2021 state law legalized adult use cannabis. The state licenses businesses, and towns and cities can pass regulations.

The town’s Planning and Zoning Commission in 2021 temporarily banned cannabis establishments so it could develop regulations. The medical marijuana facility, which opened in 2020, continued to operate because it was considered a “previously approved but non-conforming use.”

The commission in April passed new regulations, which do not apply to Groton Long Point, the City of Groton and Noank, that went into effect in mid-May. The regulations specify the zones where cannabis or hybrid retailers, cannabis cultivators, cannabis food and beverage manufacturers, and businesses focused on cannabis delivery service, manufacturing, packaging or transporting are conditionally allowed to operate.

Jones said the applications are under review by town staff and may be on a Planning and Zoning Commission agenda at the end of June or July.

The town is requiring applicants to submit a security plan and a copy of state permitting. Town police have approved security plans for both applications.

k.drelich@theday.com