Ohio Citites Take Proactive Medical Marijuana Measures

In light of Ohio’s medical marijuana legislation, which goes in effect on September 8, 2016, several Ohio cities have introduced proactive legislation restricting the cultivation, processing and distribution of medical marijuana. House Bill 523 specifically allows townships and cities to regulate and deny dispensaries. In Cuyahoga County, Lakewood City Council passed a moratorium of six months on the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana. The city is proceeding with caution and wants the opportunity to review the law before it determines whether it will impose additional restrictions. Bay Village officials are also advocating a temporary moratorium.

Last week, Rocky River Law Director, Andrew D. Bemer, took it a step further by introducing legislation that prohibits the cultivation, processing and dispensing of medical marijuana in Rocky River. Attorney Bemer asked state officials for guidance, but received no input. He expects that City Council will approve the ordinance at its next meeting in September.

Additionally, cities in Lancaster, Butler, Tuscarawas, Miami, Allen, Hamilton, Trumbull and Fairfield counties have considered or instituted bans on the cultivation and sale of medical marijuana. As September approaches, more cities will likely take similar proactive steps as they wait for state officials to complete regulations.

For more information on how this may affect your business, please contact a member of the Frantz Ward Marijuana Law & Policy Group.