Aldermen approve medical cannabis ordinance, just in case
By Randy Bell
If Clinton voters approve the legalization of medical cannabis establishments in the February 28 special election, the City will have regulations in place to deal with those new businesses.
The Board of Aldermen, at its February 7 meeting, unanimously approved an ordinance setting out certain requirements for companies growing, processing and selling medical cannabis and cannabis products, while stressing that adoption of the ordinance was in no way an endorsement of medical cannabis legalization.
Among other things, the regulations require the businesses to pay $1,000 for a City permit and to obtain a privilege license. They must comply with minimum distance requirements established in state law and the City’s zoning ordinance.
The businesses must be located in stand-alone structures, not sharing a building with another business or housed inside another business. Medical cannabis dispensaries are allowed to operate only between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Odor control devices and techniques are required, so that cannabis odors are not detectable off-site. No cannabis products may be smoked, ingested or used in any other way on the premises of any medical cannabis establishment, including the parking areas, sidewalks and driveways.
Dispensaries are not allowed to have drive-through windows. No medical practitioner is allowed on the premises for the purpose of examining and certifying patients.
The ordinance took effect immediately upon its passage. The full text is posted at City Hall and at the Office of Community Development.
SHOULD THE CULTIVATION, PROCESSING, SALE AND/OR DISTRIBUTION OF MEDICAL CANNABIS AND CANNABIS PRODUCTS BE LEGAL IN THE CITY OF CLINTON?
VOTE
February 28 – 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.
Administration Building, Traceway Park
ABSENTEE VOTING
Daily during regular office hours through February 25
Saturdays, February 18 and 25, 8 a.m. until noon
City Clerk’s office, Brighton Park
I find it deplorable that the “city” of Clinton would set a special election with so little time to publicize it. Having “city leaders” run an ad opposing the measure in the only Courier edition before that election, leaving those with opposing views no opportunity to respond, is equally deplorable. From the beginning, it has been clear that elected officials in Clinton are not really interested in what residents want; they merely want to impose their personal beliefs onto everyone.
“…it has been clear that elected officials in Clinton are not really interested in what residents want…”
First, those elected are residents of Clinton. Secondly, there are many residents in Clinton who feel the same way. You should get out more.
Just as an FYI, they can not drag out the election. It was mandated by the state they had to happen within 60 days of the petition being turned in.