Gazette News Report

BEAVERCREEK — Beavercreek City Council Monday passed a resolution banning all business involving medical marijuana for six months.

The resolution takes effect immediately and expires in January, City Law Director Steven McHugh told WDTN. The legislation was passed in response to the bill Governor John Kasich signed in September legalizing medical marijuana. It has provisions which allow local governments to write its own ordinances regarding the producing, cultivating and dispensing of the drug.

Mayor Bob Stone told WDTN the city is not opposed to the medical marijuana industry setting up shop in town.

“Beavercreek generally tries to make room for most types and just about any types of business,” he said.

The resolution is intended to give city leaders more time to make better decisions for its residents.

“It is a lengthy bill, it also is a very involved bill,” McHugh said. “There are going to be regulations created by the state of Ohio to particular departments so I think it’s important that we have an opportunity to review that and see how it will impact the City of Beavercreek and the citizens of Beavercreek. It allows us a six-month stay period to study the matter and make a determination of how the city will proceed. That resolution will allow staff to review it and advise council over the next six months.”

No residents spoke up regarding the city’s decision during the city’s public meeting, according to WDTN.