Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
Massillon Medical marijuana operations now are permitted to sprout within the city limits.
City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve an ordinance recognizing the industry and giving medical marijuana operators an avenue to open shop.
The ordinance permits a medical marijuana cultivator or processor to do business in the city, in addition to allowing for dispensaries and testing laboratories. The measure went into effect immediately; however, any new business is not likely until at least next year, because deadlines to garner state licensing and permits for 2017 operations has already passed.
Councilwoman Jill Creamer, D-Ward 4, voted against the measure due to her perceived uncertainty on medical marijuana businesses coming to Massillon.
"It's just so initial," she said. "I'm not willing to just jump right in."
Some other council members, such as Sarita Cunningham, R-Ward 1, have expressed that they want to take advantage of income tax revenue generated by potential businesses opening in the city.
Businesses are not permitted to be located within 500 feet of schools, churches, public libraries, playgrounds, parks and residential-zoned areas, according to language in the ordinance. Larger facilities might be prime for the city's heavy industrial area off of Millennium Boulevard SE, according to David Maley, the city's economic development director.
"That could be an optimal location, depending on the company's needs and whether they do a new build or take on an existing building," he said.
Dispensaries can operate in general industrial zones that have similar uses to medical marijuana, such as pharmacies and physician offices, the city ordinance states.
The city used a recently passed measure in Canton as a model to help formulate its policy on medical marijuana. A measure was passed in May, so it could work with people wanting to bring medical marijuana operations there.
Ohio's new law – established last fall – allows local governments to restrict where medical marijuana-related businesses can be located or ban them entirely. Via the state law, the use of marijuana was approved for nearly 20 medical conditions, such as AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Over the past few months, the city has received casual interest from a handful of prospective owners of medical marijuana facilities. Massillon's doors are open to those with proper licenses and permitting, Maley said.
"Anytime you have jobs created, it's a plus," said Maley.
Maley acknowledged that having approved legislation on medical marijuana is helpful, because he can provide a copy of the 11-page document to anyone seeking information about the city's policies and procedures.
"It gives them assurances on where the city stands," he said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Massillon OKs medical marijuana legislation - News - The Independent - Massillon, OH
Author: Steven M. Grazier
Contact: Contact - Massillon, OH - The Independent
Photo Credit: Trevor Hughes
Website: The Independent: Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Massillon, OH
City Council voted 6-1 Tuesday night to approve an ordinance recognizing the industry and giving medical marijuana operators an avenue to open shop.
The ordinance permits a medical marijuana cultivator or processor to do business in the city, in addition to allowing for dispensaries and testing laboratories. The measure went into effect immediately; however, any new business is not likely until at least next year, because deadlines to garner state licensing and permits for 2017 operations has already passed.
Councilwoman Jill Creamer, D-Ward 4, voted against the measure due to her perceived uncertainty on medical marijuana businesses coming to Massillon.
"It's just so initial," she said. "I'm not willing to just jump right in."
Some other council members, such as Sarita Cunningham, R-Ward 1, have expressed that they want to take advantage of income tax revenue generated by potential businesses opening in the city.
Businesses are not permitted to be located within 500 feet of schools, churches, public libraries, playgrounds, parks and residential-zoned areas, according to language in the ordinance. Larger facilities might be prime for the city's heavy industrial area off of Millennium Boulevard SE, according to David Maley, the city's economic development director.
"That could be an optimal location, depending on the company's needs and whether they do a new build or take on an existing building," he said.
Dispensaries can operate in general industrial zones that have similar uses to medical marijuana, such as pharmacies and physician offices, the city ordinance states.
The city used a recently passed measure in Canton as a model to help formulate its policy on medical marijuana. A measure was passed in May, so it could work with people wanting to bring medical marijuana operations there.
Ohio's new law – established last fall – allows local governments to restrict where medical marijuana-related businesses can be located or ban them entirely. Via the state law, the use of marijuana was approved for nearly 20 medical conditions, such as AIDS, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.
Over the past few months, the city has received casual interest from a handful of prospective owners of medical marijuana facilities. Massillon's doors are open to those with proper licenses and permitting, Maley said.
"Anytime you have jobs created, it's a plus," said Maley.
Maley acknowledged that having approved legislation on medical marijuana is helpful, because he can provide a copy of the 11-page document to anyone seeking information about the city's policies and procedures.
"It gives them assurances on where the city stands," he said.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Massillon OKs medical marijuana legislation - News - The Independent - Massillon, OH
Author: Steven M. Grazier
Contact: Contact - Massillon, OH - The Independent
Photo Credit: Trevor Hughes
Website: The Independent: Local & World News, Sports & Entertainment in Massillon, OH
