The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Ordinance discussed
Committee talks about medical marijuana facilities
Wickliffe Legislation and Welfare Committee convened on Nov. 6 to discuss a proposed ordinance regarding medical marijuana facilities. The ordinance will amend the Business Regulation Code of the Codified Ordinances and add Chapter 748 on Medical Marijuana Licensure.
According to the legislation, the purpose of Chapter 748 is to establish standards for licensing, regulation and control of medical marijuana business as permitted by House Bill 523 and The State of Ohio’s Medical Marijuana Control Program and the premise upon which they are located and operated for the cultivation and processing and dispensing of medical marijuana to serve registered patients.
The purpose is to also allow medical marijuana businesses in the city in accordance with applicable state law and regulations.
The dispensaries will be allowed in the general business district and the cultivation and processing will be zoned commercial or industrial. A conditional use permit will be required and must go through the Planning Commission.
Councilman Matthew Jaworski asked if a medical marijuana business could open in the city without an ordinance. The committee agreed that the ordinance allows the city to clearly outline the licensure standards and the city’s requirements for a medical marijuana business.
Councilman Ronald Ely questioned the minimum distance this facility must be away from a school. After learning that the state’s standard is 1,000 feet, the committee was content with the minimum distance.
It also agreed with the proposed licensure fees.
The ordinance states that there will be a $20,000 fee for the medical marijuana cultivation business license, a $5,000 medical marijuana processing business license and a $15,000 medical marijuana dispensary business license at application and renewal.
The committee will move forward with the proposed ordinance and introduce it to Council at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Nov. 13.