Paul Bertram, Marietta’s law director (left), speaks about one of the ordinances that received first reading during a special council meeting Thursday night. It would limit the number of adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries in Marietta to two. (Photo by Michelle Dillon)
The Marietta City Council took a step toward passing recreational marijuana ordinances on Thursday.
During a special Council meeting on Thursday, the Council held the first reading of three ordinances relating to recreational marijuana: Ordinance No. 94 (24-25), Ordinance No. 95 (24-25) and Ordinance No. 96 (24-25).
After the first reading of the ordinances, Second District Councilman Bret Allphin, who had introduced the ordinances, stated that no further action was to be taken on the matter.
City Law Director Paul Bertram spoke about the ordinances and their significance.
Ordinance 94 (24-25) amends the city’s ordinance regarding medical marijuana by adding new definitions related to marijuana that the State of Ohio created during the process of adopting adult recreational marijuana and by adding dual-use dispensaries to the ordinance, Bertam said.
Due to these new state definitions, the regulation must be changed, said Bertram.
Ordinance 95 (24-25) establishes the number of dispensaries permitted in Marietta for the recreational use of marijuana by adults and regulates its use, he said.
Bertram said the ordinance limits the number of adult-use recreational marijuana dispensaries in Marietta to two.
Ordinance No. 96 (24-25) deals with adult recreational use of marijuana, dispensary licenses and zoning, Bertam said. According to the ordinance, it is a new ordinance and does not change any existing one.
During the meeting, a possible new dispensary for recreational marijuana use by adults was discussed.
There is a company that wants to build a dispensary on State Route 7 across from McAlarney’s Pools, Spas and Billiards, Bertram said.
Jim Caldwell, Marietta’s building inspector, said the company contacted him about a demolition permit for the site and he told them which department to contact.
Bertam said the location complies with state law that dispensaries must be one mile apart.
Allphin mentioned that he would be open to changes to the regulations and would even bring them forward and return for further discussion in committee meetings.
“We will have three readings, maybe more, to discuss (this) and make sure we get it right,” he said.
Sept. 7 is the deadline by which the state must issue all recreational marijuana licenses, Allphin said, and he also wants to have passed the relevant regulations on recreational marijuana use by adults by that date.
Allphin isn’t sure the city needs to have legislation in place by then, and he will wait for clarification from Bertam, he said.
Thursday night was not the first time the council discussed regulations on recreational marijuana use by adults.
The City Council first discussed potential recreational marijuana ordinances in June at a Planning, Zoning, Incorporation and Housing (PZAH) Committee meeting. Allphin, the committee chair, shared information about the city’s current zoning regulations and state laws and how they affect the location of a recreational marijuana dispensary in the city.
During a July PZAH meeting, Allphin proposed amending the city’s existing medical marijuana ordinances to allow for recreational marijuana use by adults. He said he believes two adult-use dispensaries could be established in Marietta based on state law and city zoning ordinances.
There is already a dual-use dispensary in Marietta, Columbia Care, owned by the Cannabist Company. It began selling recreational marijuana on August 6. In the first few days, there was a long line of people out the door.
The next City Council meeting will be held on September 5th at 7:30 p.m. in Room 10 of the Marietta Armory. According to Council President Susan Vessels, there will be a special meeting on the ordinances on August 29th at 6 p.m. in Room 10 of the Marietta Armory.
