Any facility wishing to open would need council to approve an application. Council could then place certain restrictions on the business.
“As part of that application process, they have to indicate to the state they are not prohibited to do this in this municipality,” law director Kevin Heban said.
Councilman Robert Ruse was the lone no vote. He has previously expressed concern about Wood County more than Rossford benefiting from any tax money generated by the sale of medical pot.
Mayor Neil MacKinnon has spoken at length about his pro-pot stance, saying he would rather his children “eat a brownie or suck on a gummy bear” than take a prescription painkiller and potentially develop an addiction. Councilmen Greg Marquette and Jerry Staczek have also voiced support.
Senate Bill 523 was signed into law by Gov. John Kasich in June, 2016. The legislation allowed for medicinal marijuana, although state officials are still ironing out rules for testing, processing, and selling. The program is to fully functional by next September.
Under the Ohio Pharmacy Board’s proposal revealed in July, one total facility would be allowed for Wood, Hancock, and Henry counties.
A Michigan businessman recently approached Rossford about setting up a dispensary, but couldn’t find an existing facility to his liking. Mayor MacKinnon would like to find one that suits the needs of prospective cultivators.
Maumee city council voted last month to allow pot in certain zoning designations. Other cities, such as Oregon, are still operating under a moratorium as they consider options.
credit:toledoblade.com
