The Circleville City Council voted to move forward with a 12-month moratorium on recreational marijuana sales in the city during their meeting on Tuesday, July 6, 2024. The decision comes after Ohio pushed forward with recreational marijuana laws, allowing legal sales after an almost eight-month delay.
Council members expressed varying opinions on the matter, with Tom Kiltza supporting a 12-month hold on recreational sales due to the state’s lack of structure around sales. Susan Metzger of the Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition also spoke out against recreational marijuana use, citing evidence-based studies highlighting potential harm to the community and citizens.
Here is a cleaned-up version of the statement:
“My name is Susan Metzger, and I represent the Pickaway Addiction Action Coalition, located at 770 North Court Street in Circleville. I’m here to discuss the importance of imposing a moratorium on retail marijuana establishments in our community. Evidence-based studies have shown that such establishments can harm our neighborhood and community, and negatively impact the growth of our youth and adults. These studies have also highlighted the potential catastrophic side effects of marijuana use. I urge the council to consider implementing a moratorium on marijuana establishments, as there is nothing recreational about a Schedule One drug. Our priority should be keeping our citizens safe from potential harm. Thank you.”
Zack Brooks argued against delaying sales, but was informed that the 12-month moratorium could be revisited once the city establishes its own rules for marijuana sales. Council members Hedges and Duvall expressed support for the coalition’s concerns, while others advocated for a waiting period to decide on key factors.
Ultimately, the council passed the first reading of the bill, imposing a 12-month moratorium on marijuana sales in Circleville. The decision aims to prioritize citizen safety and allow the city time to define its own regulations regarding marijuana sales.
