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Residents urge Salem City Council to block a marijuana dispensary; council takes no action
Summary
Dozens of residents told the Salem City Council on Feb. 18 that a marijuana dispensary would harm families, increase crime and strain local services. Council heard public comment but did not vote on the issue at the meeting.
Dozens of Salem residents urged City Council on Feb. 18 to prevent a marijuana dispensary from opening in the city, saying legal cannabis would harm families, increase crime and strain local services. The council heard public comment but took no formal action on the issue at the meeting.
The comments came during the public comment period of the regular Salem City Council meeting. Several residents described personal and family harms they attributed to marijuana use. "My name is Sarah Rosler. I'm here with some young kids from our community who could tell you firsthand what they experienced in their homes as their parents bring their legal marijuana in their home," Rosler said, describing concerns about children's exposure, parental mood swings and erratic driving.
Other speakers echoed that view. Bill Barlow, who identified himself as a retired law enforcement officer and a Salem resident, said experiences in other cities had increased police workloads and harmed neighborhoods. Resident Beth Ames cited research she said was cited by the mayor of Greenville, Ohio, and referenced comments by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine about harms from legalization. A speaker who identified himself as director of the Rock of Salem gave personal testimony about recovery from marijuana dependence; another speaker who said he does jail ministry described canvassing jail inmates who opposed legalization.
Speakers noted that dispensaries exist in nearby towns including East Liverpool, Alliance, Canton and Canfield and urged the council not to bring a dispensary into Salem. Several public commenters asked the council to "say no" to a local dispensary and handed letters to the clerk.
Council members thanked residents for attending and participating but did not introduce or vote on any ordinance or motion related to a dispensary at the Feb. 18 meeting. The mayor's State of the City report that followed the public comment noted that in February 2024 the council passed two ordinances that "declared a moratorium on permitting marijuana dispensaries in the city," a past action referenced by the mayor during the address.
Because the item was raised during public comment and no formal motion or vote was recorded on Feb. 18, the council took "no action" at this meeting. Council members said they appreciated public participation and encouraged continued engagement in the legislative process.
