While other communities in central Ohio are banning cannabis businesses, a marijuana dispensary is in the works in Reynoldsburg.
The city’s Planning and Zoning Commission earlier this month approved a conditional use and exemption for certified growers to operate a marijuana dispensary at 7365-7369 E. Livingston Ave.
It would be the Columbus suburb’s first marijuana dispensary and the first Certified Cultivators dispensary in central Ohio. The company has a processing plant in Dayton and a dispensary in Cleveland.
Reynoldsburg Mayor Joe Begeny said city residents have been asking for a dispensary for years. He said there was no opportunity for a medical dispensary, based on the limited number of permits available. But when the city re-introduced its zoning code in 2020, it allowed for medical marijuana dispensaries. Ahead of the November vote on Ohio Issue 2, the city preemptively updated its code to allow adult-use dispensaries.
“From the perspective of Reynoldsburg alone, 64% of the Reynoldsburg community voted in favor of Issue 2, and that is certainly something that the community has looked at for somewhere in Reynoldsburg, depending on the location of course,” Begeny said.
Nearby Etna Township, Pataskala and New Albany prohibit the cultivation, processing and sale of marijuana within their communities.
Reynoldsburg’s zoning ordinance states that marijuana businesses are not allowed within 500 feet of another marijuana facility or within 500 feet of a park, residential area, or school. The state prohibits dispensaries from being located within 500 feet of a school, church, public library, public playground, or public park.
Because of those regulations, Begeny said, city officials believe this will likely be the only pharmacy in town. However, he added, city officials believe there will be another pharmacy just outside of town, on the Columbus section of Main Street.
Begeny said the pharmacy still needs administrative approvals before it can open. He said the existing building will also be renovated. He added that the pharmacy is likely to open early next year.
Municipal documents show that the pharmacy needed an exemption because the location is 128 meters south of a residential area.
Zach Weprin, president of Certified Cultivators, said during the Sept. 5 meeting that the dispensary is monitored by security cameras 24/7/365. All products are pre-packaged and there is no on-site consumption.
“We strive to maintain a safe, clean and well-run facility that contributes to the positive impact our businesses have in the community,” Weprin said.
Scott Miller, chief compliance officer and general counsel for Certified Cultivators, said the product is kept in a safe. The store also doesn’t let just anyone in. When people come in, they go to a front desk to check in. They then have to show identification to prove they’re 21 or show their patient ID if they’re under 21.
Medical marijuana became legal in Ohio in 2016, and Ohio voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana for those 21 and older 57-43 percent last November. Recreational sales began Aug. 6 at existing dispensaries.
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This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Reynoldsburg Wants to Welcome Marijuana Dispensary
