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Hudson council adopts ordinance banning storefront marijuana facilities, 5-1
Summary
The City of Hudson passed Ordinance 25-57 on June 3, 2025, amending the land development code to prohibit marijuana facilities in city limits. The ordinance passed 5-1 after council debate over voter intent and local land-use control.
The City of Hudson City Council voted 5-1 on June 3, 2025, to adopt Ordinance 25-57, amending the land development code to establish a permanent prohibition on marijuana facilities in Hudson.
The ordinance, substituted with language from the Planning Commission dated April 14, 2025, drew debate about whether state-level legalization signaled local approval for retail dispensaries. Council President Chris Foster read a statement on behalf of Councilor Skyler Sutton, who was absent and requested his remarks be read. Sutton’s statement said he “deeply object[ed] to the passage” and argued that “voters gave us a directive to permit the sale of marijuana in the state” and that local voters should be asked directly if a sale point is wanted in Hudson.
Councilors who supported the ban said their constituents voiced opposition to retail storefronts in the community. Councilor (last name Foster) and others noted that many residents who backed state legalization did so to avoid criminal penalties rather than to require a dispensary in Hudson. Councilor Byrd cited public-health concerns, saying proximity of retail sales to middle- and high-school students is associated with increased early use and potential psychiatric harms. Councilor Heater said the newly regulated market presents an opportunity to pause and assess community interest before allowing retail outlets.
Council discussion repeatedly distinguished the statewide vote to legalize possession and consumption from the local land-use choice about where to site retail outlets. Several council members said the Planning Commission had recommended the land-use prohibition and that a future referendum or ordinance change could reverse the ban if residents later decide otherwise.
In the roll call on the substituted Planning Commission language, Councilor Kowalski cast the sole no vote; five council members voted yes. The ordinance passed by a vote of 5 in favor to 1 against.
The ordinance is the third reading and is effective per the city’s codified process; the Planning Commission recommendation dated 04/14/2025 was incorporated into the final text.
