Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Moratorium topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council extends moratorium on cannabis businesses through zoning-code rewrite
Summary
Council adopted Resolution 26-009 to extend a moratorium on adult-use and medical cannabis dispensaries, cultivators and processors until the city adopts a revised zoning code that will set where such businesses may operate and buffering rules.
Canal Winchester City Council on Feb. 2 adopted Resolution 26-009 extending a moratorium on adult-use and medical cannabis businesses, including dispensaries, cultivators and processors, until the city’s zoning-code rewrite addresses those uses.
Jesse (city staff) told council, "My understanding is we had the moratorium in place. It expired at the end of the year. And so we just want to extend that while we're finishing up the code rewrite." Staff explained the moratorium remains in effect until the draft zoning code is adopted and will allow the rewrite process to determine where, if anywhere, marijuana-related businesses may be permitted.
Council members asked whether the moratorium should be extended indefinitely rather than until the code is adopted and emphasized the need for public hearings on the code items that will affect cannabis-related businesses. One member said the rewrite should highlight where those uses are allowed rather than burying that detail in a large document.
A public commenter, Adam Karschner, urged the council to "not allow businesses that include any aspect of cannabis or THC derived from hemp within the city limits" and suggested the council treat zoning for cannabis as a stand-alone, visible issue rather than a small part of the broader code rewrite.
The resolution was moved and adopted by roll call. Staff and council agreed the zoning-code rewrite process will include public drafts and hearings specifically covering how cannabis-related businesses will be regulated.
