Belpre committees continue public hearings on recreational marijuana; council has draft prohibitions and a moratorium resolution

Council members reported ongoing committee work and significant public input on proposed local regulation of recreational marijuana.

Ms. Riffle and Mrs. Dennis said the Rules and Police & Fire Committees have been meeting to consider ordinance language and a moratorium. Ms. Riffle reported that the Rules Committee received public comment on June 17: "There were 11 speaking against the sale, 5 in favor of the sale and 2 requesting additional information," and that those comments were forwarded to the clerk. Two ordinance drafts were prepared—one with an emergency clause and one without—prohibiting adult-use cannabis processing, dispensing, laboratories, cultivation areas and cultivation facilities. The committee also prepared a resolution establishing a moratorium on the issuance and processing of permits related to recreational marijuana, again with versions with and without an emergency clause.

Mrs. Dennis reported the Police & Fire Committee met June 24 and called a follow-up meeting for July 2, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. to continue discussion. Council did not vote on ordinance or moratorium language at the June 24 meeting; members instead referred the legislation to committees and scheduled additional hearings.

In public comment, Jesse Wonycott asked the council to review SB-278 (Delta 8), which he said makes it illegal to sell recreational marijuana to minors; Mayor Abdella thanked him for bringing the bill to her attention but did not provide a legal interpretation during the meeting. The transcript does not show committee legal analysis or a final timeline for any ordinance vote.

Next steps announced included additional committee meetings (July 2) and continued preparation of ordinance text for future readings.