CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In an unusually packed council meeting on Monday night, the Chillicothe City Council heard from over 110 residents, far exceeding the typical single-digit attendance. The meeting, held in the old Municipal Court building, was convened to discuss legislation proposing a temporary ban on new marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. The fire code, which limits the room to 81 people, was surpassed, leading to a crowd spilling into the corridors.
For a room that barely breaks single digits, the room was breaking the city’s fire code. GUARDIAN PHOTO
The majority of attendees voiced opposition to the proposed ban, expressing frustration with the city’s only licensed dispensary, Sunnyside on Bridge Street, citing high prices. Instead, many prefer CBD stores, which operate under the 2018 Farm Bill signed by former President Donald Trump. These stores sell hemp-derived products that do not contain the psychoactive component, Delta-9 THC, contrasting with the marijuana sold at licensed dispensaries.
There was evident confusion at the meeting, particularly concerning the distinction between CBD outlets like Western Ave. Exotics, which would not be affected by the proposed legislation, and the potential for new licensed dispensaries. Despite this, the crowd rallied in support of maintaining the choice for more dispensary options, should the state decide to issue new licenses.
Mayor Luke Feeney excused himself before public comments began, leaving the room to Pete Stokien who spoke first, advocating for a balanced approach to cannabis regulation. “By implementing clear and fair regulations, we can attract new business, create jobs, and generate significant tax revenue that can be invested into our community,” Stokien said, also pushing for a public education campaign to clarify the differences between legal cannabis and illicit marijuana.
Public testimonials highlighted personal benefits from using cannabis for medical purposes over more addictive alternatives. Wesley Alexander, emphasizing his rights as a taxpayer, argued, “I voted, I spoke, like everyone else in Ohio did and I feel that should be respected. We respect your laws and when we vote on something that passes into law, we expect you to respect it. As a taxpayer, I feel like I should be allowed to choose where I spend my money. I pay my taxes, I work, I voted, I spoke, like everyone else in Ohio did and I feel that should be respected. We respect your laws and when we vote on something that passes into law, we expect you to respect it. That’s just the law works.”
The community’s support for Issue 2 in 2023, which legalized recreational marijuana statewide, was overwhelmingly positive in Chillicothe, adding weight to the residents’ arguments. Speakers like Emma Simmons and Victoria Lunford-Stanford shared personal stories of preferring marijuana for health reasons over prescription painkillers, pointing out the affordability issues with Sunnyside.
“I have a medical card, and when [the CBD stores] moved in; I take my money to them,” said Emma Simmons. “I’m going to prove to you I have a medical card,” she said, as she proceeded to pull it out and display it to the council. “I have a medical card. I refuse to go to Sunnyside because they overcharge you. I spend my money on Western Avenue. If you take this away, you are putting lives in danger. People [will go on the street and get it if you do not allow dispensaries to open].”
“I had surgery back in September on last year on my neck. So they chose to give me percocet, too, but I chose not to take those drugs that leads to harder drugs. So, I have my medical marijuana card, too, and the prices at Sunnyside are more than you can bare,” Victoria Lunford-Stanford said. “Yes, I am on a fixed income, I say that to say I think it would be un-beneficial to take away [the choice of us to allow to choose a new dispensary, if they opened]. I use marijuana for pain, and it works for me, and I think it’s way better for your system than all these addictive drugs, and we need [more dispensaries].”
Despite the initial plan for an emergency vote, the council decided to extend the debate over three readings to allow more public input. Council members expressed surprise at the origin of the measure, stating it was sent by the city’s law director without prior request. Because the city law director acts as council’s attorney, the item was placed on the agenda.
The state of Ohio has no immediate plans to issue new marijuana licenses, according to the state. However, there is pending legislation in Columbus that could impact CBD stores, which remains in committee.
The next steps for Chillicothe’s council will be to revisit this issue for two more readings, with the final vote set for the third meeting. The outcome remains uncertain as council members have not publicly declared their positions.
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — In an unusually packed council meeting on Monday night, the Chillicothe City Council heard from over 110 residents, far exceeding the typical single-digit attendance. The meeting, held in the old Municipal Court building, was convened to discuss legislation proposing a temporary ban on new marijuana dispensaries within the city limits. The fire Read More
