Planning Commission recommends City Council approve medical marijuana dispensary at 209 S. Perkins

The Stillwater Planning Commission voted 4-0 to recommend that City Council approve Specific Use Permit SUP24-01 to allow a medical marijuana dispensary at 209 South Perkins Road.

Josh Brown, development coordinator with the City of Stillwater Development Services, told commissioners the land development code permits medical marijuana dispensaries in the commercial shopping (CS) district with a specific use permit and that the comprehensive plan designates the site for commercial uses. "This is to allow the medical marijuana dispensary use in CS zoning," Brown said, while showing maps of the property and nearby uses.

Brian Dowell, a representative for Vice Dispensary, said the business is relocating a license to 209 South Perkins and that the company will continue to operate its existing Stillwater location. "We have a location at, I believe it's 2624 North Perkins, and then we're adding another location at the 209 South Perkins location," Dowell said. He also confirmed the transferred state license had been verified and is valid through October.

Commissioners asked whether this was a new license or a transfer and about the state moratorium on new dispensary licenses. The applicant and staff explained a moratorium has been in effect since about 2022 that prevents issuance of new licenses but allows transfers of existing licenses.

The commission opened the public hearing and received no comments for or against the request. After closing the hearing, a commissioner moved to accept staff findings and recommend that City Council approve SUP24-01; the motion was seconded and passed on a 4-0 voice vote.

The commission record shows no conditions attached; staff had offered alternative recommendations including conditional approval or tabling for more information, but staff recommended approval.