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Olney council votes to ask voters whether to allow a cannabis dispensary
Summary
By roll call the council approved placing a nonbinding advisory question on the ballot asking whether the city should allow an adult‑use cannabis dispensary within Olney city limits. Members debated timing and ballot wording before approving the advisory referendum.
The Olney City Council voted on Sept. 22 to place a nonbinding advisory referendum on a future ballot asking electors whether the city should allow an adult‑use cannabis dispensary within the Olney city limits. Council members discussed election timing (spring primary versus November general), whether the planning commission should review separation distances first, and the legal difference between binding and nonbinding ballot questions under state law.
Council discussed potential unintended consequences of delaying the referendum — several members noted that existing ordinance language leaves distance thresholds that could allow a dispensary during any delay. A proposed question — "Shall the city only allow a cannabis dispensary within the city limits?" — was discussed as possible wording; the final motion passed on roll call. City staff noted the clerk must receive referendum language by Dec. 15 for the upcoming cycle.
