While Ohio voters legalized recreational marijuana last year, businesses in Granville are not allowed to grow, process or sell cannabis.
The Granville Village Council on Wednesday unanimously passed a moratorium on the issuance and processing of permits related to the cultivation, processing and dispensing of recreational marijuana throughout the village. Council members previously directed village staff to draft legislation banning recreational marijuana businesses.
The moratorium, which does not apply to home cultivation and personal use, does not specify an end date but could be adjusted in the future if the township deems it necessary, Village Manager Herb Koehler said.
Council members also previously directed village staff to draft legislation that would outline where adult-use marijuana can be used in public places in the village. Legal Director Bill Mattes said the village is waiting for more guidance from the state before moving forward with that legislation.
Medical marijuana became legal in Ohio in 2016, and Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana for the 57-43% age 21 and older population in the Nov. 7 general election. Since then, communities across Ohio have taken steps to restrict recreational businesses.
Koehler said Granville’s moratorium is similar to what other communities have adopted as they wait for the state to finalize its plans.
In December, the city of Newark passed a six-month moratorium on new recreational marijuana dispensing locations, and Etna Township banned adult-use marijuana growers, processors and dispensaries from operating in the township.
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Granville approves moratorium on recreational marijuana businesses
