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Council asks staff to draft ordinance to prohibit recreational marijuana retail in New Albany
Summary
After council discussion, staff will draft ordinance language to prohibit recreational marijuana cultivation/processing/dispensaries within city limits; council signaled support to consider the proposal at the next meeting with public notice and decide whether emergency adoption is appropriate later.
Council discussed whether New Albany should permit retail recreational marijuana sales following the statewide ballot change. The mayor noted municipalities may regulate whether to allow commercial cultivation, processing or retail sales and said staff and the city attorney would draft ordinance language if council wanted to proceed.
One councilor noted existing local restrictions and proximity to dispensaries outside the city and said residents would have access even if New Albany banned retail sales. Others expressed concerns about cash-only commerce and community fit. Staff said drafting code changes is straightforward and that proposed language could be brought to the next council meeting for public notice and formal consideration; the council directed staff to prepare an ordinance.
No ordinance was introduced or adopted at this meeting; council instructed staff to bring proposed language to the next agenda so the public can review and council can consider whether emergency procedures are needed.
