Meeting Summary
The city council held a study session to discuss medical marijuana regulations. Key discussions included a proposed tiered zoning and licensing system for processors, with guidance provided to allow pre-roll and infusion facilities in commercial areas. The council also directed staff to draft an ordinance prohibiting marijuana smoking and vaping in public parks, and reviewed information regarding marijuana waste disposal.
Key Decisions & Votes
Medical Marijuana Processor Zoning Tiers 1 & 2
35:00Council provided guidance to move forward with drafting an ordinance that would allow Tier 1 (pre-roll facilities) and Tier 2 (infusion of concentrates) medical marijuana processors as permitted uses in commercial zones (C1, C2, C3, MUD, Center City commercial zones). This aims to reduce administrative burden and costs for businesses and patients.
Medical Marijuana Public Consumption
45:00Council provided guidance to amend city code to prohibit smoking and vaping of medical marijuana products in public parks, consistent with existing tobacco restrictions. Consumption of edibles would remain permissible.
Financial Matters
Medical Marijuana Processor Licensing Fees (Tier 1 & 2)
Proposed fee structure for Tier 1 and Tier 2 processors would align with dispensary fees, avoiding duplication if a business already holds a dispensary license.
Coming Up
Deadlines
- City license renewals for all businesses by March 31st (including potential new marijuana processor tiers)
Watch For
- OMMA guidance on medical marijuana disposal facilities and their COC process
- Clarification on city code regarding open burning of agricultural by-products, specifically medical marijuana waste
- Full council review of draft ordinance for medical marijuana processor zoning (potentially December 13th CPTC, then Planning Commission, then full council)
Announcements
- Notification to all dispensaries regarding the state's opinion that pre-rolling is processing and requires a processor license from OMMA and the city, to be sent after the passage of new tiers.
Agenda Summary
Discussion regarding medical marijuana processor zoning and licensing
Presentation of a proposed tiered system for medical marijuana processors: Tier 1 (pre-roll facilities), Tier 2 (infusion of concentrates), and Tier 3 (all other industrial processing, including extraction). Tiers 1 and 2 would be permitted in commercial areas (C1, C2, C3, MUD, Center City commercial zones) without duplicative licensing fees if already a dispensary. Tier 3 would remain in industrial zones. Discussion included concerns about defining extraction types, the evolving industry, and potential impacts on other industries.
Update on medical marijuana disposal
Discussion on state-created disposal facility categories and local licensing/zoning, as well as personal marijuana waste disposal, specifically open burning of root balls, stems, and leaves. Concerns were raised about city liability for trash collection and the need for clarifying language in the city's open burning code.
Update on medical marijuana consumption
Discussion regarding consistency of city code (specifically public parks tobacco smoking prohibition) with state law regarding medical marijuana consumption. The state law allows consumption in public areas not enclosed, but allows entities to designate areas as 'entirely non-smoking.'