Chillicothe’s Proposed Moratorium on New Marijuana Dispensaries: A Closer Look

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The City of Chillicothe is scheduled to discuss a significant piece of legislation: a temporary moratorium on the establishment of new marijuana dispensaries within its city limits. The proposed ordinance, aptly named An Ordinance to impose a moratorium on the location of Adult Cannabis Operators within the City of Chillicothe, as defined by Ohio Revised Code Chapter 3780, and declaring an emergency, will be debated during an upcoming city council meeting on Monday at 7 p.m. at the council chambers located in the old Municipal Court building.

Understanding the Background

Chillicothe, a statutory city, can only enact laws that are outlined in the Ohio Revised Code. Interestingly, state laws provide municipalities with the authority to “opt-out,” thereby banning the presence of dispensaries within their jurisdictions. This new ordinance seeks to temporarily halt the establishment of any new cannabis operators for a duration that could be as long as one year. However, city officials have indicated that the actual period might be much shorter.

The Marijuana Landscape in 2023

The push for this temporary moratorium arises amid Ohio’s recent legalization of recreational marijuana, which was approved by voters in 2023 through Issue 2. In Chillicothe, the voting result was overwhelmingly in favor, with only two out of the city’s 21 voting precincts opposing the measure. Currently, the only licensed marijuana dispensary operating in Chillicothe has not been linked to any complaints regarding illegal operations.

Adding to the complexity of the cannabis conversation, confusion exists around CBD stores, which offer hemp-derived products under the 2018 Farm Bill. Recently, a CBD store named Western Avenue Exotics opened on Western Avenue, and the owner insists that the store operates strictly under the Farm Bill regulations. However, their extravagant advertisements, featuring imagery that resembles marijuana leaves and buds, have raised eyebrows. To drum up support against the proposed ordinance, the store is even offering free “pre-rolls” to attendees at the council meeting.

Public Reactions and Opinions

Responses from the community have surfaced on social media, reflecting a spectrum of opinions. One resident, Michael Boyles, satirically commented on the implications of the state’s financial contributions versus perceived community paranoia regarding marijuana use. Another resident, Rhonda Jacobs, voiced skepticism about the council’s authority and recalled a prior instance involving red light cameras, suggesting that residents can fight back. Velvet Withrow reiterated the personal benefits he receives from medical marijuana, emphasizing its efficacy in alleviating his physical pain.

Council’s Perspective

Council member Dan DeMint, representing the east side of Chillicothe, shared a nuanced perspective on the pending legislation. He clarified that while the measure proposes a temporary pause, the expectation is that this hiatus wouldn’t last the full year. DeMint reassured residents that the council is not attempting to ban marijuana outright, but rather to develop comprehensive zoning updates that will facilitate a more organized integration of cannabis sales into the community.

Legal Implications and Critiques

Local attorney Michael Warren, known for his practice at Warren Law Firm and Buckeye Legal, has been active in city meetings related to the moratorium. He voiced criticism of the proposed ordinance, arguing that the council is unnecessarily addressing non-issues related to the presence of CBD stores and recreational marijuana sales. Warren emphasized that existing laws already address community concerns about marijuana usage, suggesting that this new legislation serves only to placate a small group of residents while ignoring broader issues.

The Future of Dispensaries in Chillicothe

According to the State of Ohio, which oversees the issuance of dispensary licenses, there are currently no imminent plans to issue additional licenses. The lone dispensary in Chillicothe, located about 500 feet within city limits near Bridge Street, will remain operational. However, if the council’s proposed moratorium passes following three readings, no new dispensaries will be permitted to open in Chillicothe, although the CBD stores will remain unaffected unless a new state bill targeting these establishments is enacted.

Conclusion

The proposed moratorium on new marijuana dispensaries highlights the tension between regulatory oversight, community concerns, and the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation in Ohio. As city council members grapple with the implications of this potential ordinance, it will be crucial for residents to voice their opinions and engage in discussions about the future of cannabis in their community.

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