Johnston Twp. trustees vote to prohibit marijuana processing, sales
JOHNSTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - The countdown draws closer to Ohioian being legally permitted to possess, consume and grow marijuana, both medicinally and recreationally in the state.
While this starts on December 7, cities and townships are left with the opportunity to establish any local restrictions or regulations in their community.
It's something officials must do before this Thursday if they see any reason why State Issue 2's legislation should not apply to their town. That's what happened Monday evening in Johnston Township. According to township Fiscal Officer Sharon Carlson, Issue 2 goes into effect December 7, so if the township wants to have any local restrictions or regulations on marijuana, they'd need to pass a resolution by that date.
"I don't see how it's going to benefit the community at all to have it," explained Davis Denman, Chairman of the Johnston Township Trustees.
Township trustees voted to prohibit cannabis and marijuana cultivators, processors, and dispensaries in town at a special meeting Monday evening.
"We work for our tax-paying residents," said Trustee Dominic Marchese. "This is not the personal use of marijuana or even if somebody is growing it in their garden. This is about the commercial retail and wholesale sales."
In further explanation, trustees voted to prohibit the production, distribution, and processing of recreational and medicinal marijuana. Trustee Denman explained he doesn't see the benefits this could bring.
"We're going to have no tax money from it," Denman explained. "All we're going to have is people coming in to buy it."
Trustee Marchese said the majority of their community voted against the passing of State Issue 2. They told 21 News this legislation is simply a reflection of their town's views.
"Majority of our township did not approve State Issue 2 in both precincts, A and B," Marchese added.
"Another township can be first and they can figure out the problems and jump on board behind us a year or two years," Denman added.
The trustees tell 21 News processors inquired about setting up shop in Mecca Township, just a few miles away. That's what urged them to pass this resolution. They hope other communities are aware that they have the power to place these restrictions on their towns.
