Marshall Approves Pause On Cannabis Sales

In a recent decision, the city of Marshall has approved a temporary pause on the sale of cannabis products. The move comes as Marshall City Council members voted to implement an interim ordinance that temporarily halts the commercial sale, manufacture, or distribution of cannabis in the city. The ordinance also includes a repeal of the prohibition on the sale of lower-potency THC edibles.

The decision to pause cannabis sales is intended to allow the city time to study and understand the implications of cannabis licensing, rule-making, and the impact on the city. By observing the experiences of other states and cities, the council aims to gain insights into what is expected by the Office of Cannabis Management and the regulations surrounding both high and low-potency products.

It is important to note that the temporary moratorium on commercial cannabis activity does not restrict individuals from possessing cannabis products for personal use or growing marijuana. The focus of the pause is specifically on business activities related to cannabis.

One notable exception to the interim ordinance is the Marshall municipal liquor store, which will be permitted to sell lower-potency edible THC products. This decision opens up a potential revenue source for the store. Tall Grass Liquor manager Eric Luther expressed interest in exploring the sale of lower-potency THC beverages and edibles but indicated that the store would need more time to prepare before offering these products.

This is not the first time the city of Marshall has imposed restrictions on cannabis sales. Last year, an emergency ordinance was enacted, temporarily prohibiting the sale of lower-potency THC edibles. Rather than allowing the emergency ordinance to expire, the council decided to repeal it during the recent meeting.

The new interim ordinance and the repeal of the emergency ordinance are set to take effect as soon as they can be published, with an expected implementation date of this weekend.

Looking ahead, the council plans to hold future work sessions on the topic of cannabis sales as more information becomes available. These sessions may occur in the winter or spring, providing the Office of Cannabis Management with time to establish regulations and give direction.

While some council members expressed a desire to address the issue quickly, emphasizing the growth potential of the cannabis industry, the city recognizes the need for thoughtful consideration and understanding of the evolving landscape surrounding cannabis sales.

Overall, Marshall’s decision to pause cannabis sales demonstrates a proactive approach to regulate and manage the emerging cannabis market in the city. As the city continues to gather information and gain insights, it will be better equipped to make informed decisions regarding cannabis sales in the future.