Ravenna considers limits on adult cannabis dispensaries
Ravenna isn't rushing to regulate adult cannabis.
"Nowhere in our code does recreational marijuana sales exist," said City Engineer Bob Finney.
He said he has discussed the issue with Law Director Frank Cimino, who said the city's planning commission could turn down a proposal that included that use because it's not in the city's code.
Councilwoman Amy Michael said she doesn't believe such businesses belong in the city's downtown. She said the city also is taking steps toward encouraging historic preservation.
"I don't think it's appropriate," she said.
Michael asked her fellow council representatives if they wished to consider a moratorium until the state sets is rules. The city already has a moratorium on construction of self storage units. City Council in neighboring Kent approved an adult cannabis business moratorium last week.
Others said it wasn't necessary in Ravenna because the city's zoning doesn't permit the businesses.
Council members said they liked Streetsboro's recent ordinance, which limits the number of adult cannabis businesses to two. Streetsboro City Council made the final changes to its ordinance Monday, and approved the ordinance.
Councilman Rob Kairis said the city doesn't need to be in a hurry to approve its own regulations because the state is still crafting its regulations.
"Somebody can't sneak in and become an adult cannabis dispensary without us first creating the rules," he said.
Finney said he's already received an email from Supergood, Ravenna's medical marijuana dispensary, and expects to receive a phone call if the city's regulations aren't in place by the time the state sets its rules. The dispensary would be the first in line to sell cannabis to adults.
"I don't think we should jump the gun and start making restrictions until we see what restrictions the state puts on it," Councilwoman Cheryl Wood said. "It might very well conform to what we would like to see in our city."
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna considers limits on adult cannabis dispensaries
