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Richmond Heights holds public hearing on ordinance to ban cannabis businesses as residents urge restriction
Summary
On July 8, 2025, the Richmond Heights City Council held a public hearing on Ordinance 80-2025, a proposed zoning change to prohibit adult-use and medical cannabis businesses. Dozens of residents and development representatives spoke against permitting dispensaries; council did not suspend rules to advance the ordinance at the meeting.
Richmond Heights City Council held a public hearing July 8 on Ordinance 80-2025, a proposed change to the city’s planning and zoning code that would prohibit adult-use cannabis operators and medical marijuana entities within city limits.
The hearing drew public comment from residents, faith leaders and a development representative who urged council to bar dispensaries. Pastor Murrow Weems, who identified himself as a local pastor and former federal employee, described past community harms he associated with illegal drugs and urged council to adopt the prohibition. "I believe you should already know the serious, physical, psychological problems for marijuana users as well as the hazardous, criminal consequences," Pastor Murrow Weems said during public comment.
A representative for the Bell Oaks development told council the project’s “core vision” is a “family friendly, healthy lifestyle type environment” and said cannabis facilities would be contrary to that goal.…
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