Findlay City Council Postpones Vote on Marijuana Dispensaries Amid Concerns

Findlay, Ohio – A hotly debated topic took center stage at the Findlay City Council meeting on Tuesday evening, as residents and city leaders discussed the future of marijuana dispensaries in the city. Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana, but local municipalities still retain the authority to decide whether dispensaries will be permitted within their borders. The City Council, which had been preparing to vote on the matter, ultimately postponed the decision after hearing a range of concerns from the public.

This marked the first time in recent memory that the issue of cannabis sparked such significant attendance at a council meeting, with members of the community expressing strong opinions on both sides. At the core of the discussion was an ordinance focused on zoning regulations, specifically addressing where dispensaries could potentially be located within Findlay.

Many residents raised concerns about the proposed zoning areas, particularly those near Liberty Benton Local Schools and I-475. Despite state regulations prohibiting dispensaries from selling to individuals under the age of 21, some parents and school officials voiced fears that children might still find ways to access cannabis. Others simply opposed having dispensaries in their neighborhoods.

Council member Dennis Hellmann, who represents Ward 2, noted that the turnout at the meeting was unprecedented for a cannabis-related issue, signaling the level of public interest and concern. “First time we’ve ever had any attendance at a city council meeting like this regarding the cannabis thing,” Hellmann said.

The ordinance, which was initially set for its third and final reading, seeks to determine the appropriate locations for dispensaries in Findlay. Council members explained that any dispensary interested in setting up shop in the city would have to go through a formal approval process, which includes hearings and scrutiny from local officials. This would allow the city to exercise discretion in the decision-making process.

Under Ohio law, dispensaries are restricted from operating within 500 feet of schools, churches, public libraries, parks, or opioid treatment centers. Despite these state-imposed restrictions, residents remained concerned about the potential for dispensaries to be situated too close to places frequented by children.

In light of the concerns raised, the City Council decided to postpone the vote, allowing for further discussion on the matter. Hellmann suggested that adjustments to the proposed zoning districts could be made to address the public’s concerns. “Maybe we can amend those boundary lines a little bit to accommodate some of the concerns that were expressed here,” Hellmann said.

While most of the feedback was negative, some attendees pointed out potential benefits to allowing dispensaries, including increased tax revenue and better access to medical marijuana for those in need.

Meanwhile, in neighboring Perrysburg, the city council also continues to discuss the possibility of allowing dispensaries within its jurisdiction. Perrysburg’s council held its second reading of the related legislation on Tuesday and is expected to hold a final vote on March 18.

For Findlay, the issue will be revisited at the next council meeting, with a vote likely to occur after further adjustments are made to the proposed zoning boundaries. As the debate continues, both cities will determine the future of recreational marijuana dispensaries in their communities.