Girard City Council is potentially opening the door to medical marijuana cultivators and processing facilities, dispensaries, or testing laboratories.
City council voted unanimously to pass emergency legislation that sets out regulations that businesses must follow if they want to operate in the city.
Councilman John Moliterno said, "The requirements require not only a deposit, but a variety of different steps must be taken if they have an interest in locating in our community. We have a responsibility as the city council to look at economic development and bring the opportunity for jobs to people who live here. We would not hurt anyone. The ordinance was modeled after Akron's regulations."
Under Ordinance 48-93 A the entities doing business would have to follow all state laws, Girard police could inspect them and their paperwork, and they must be at least 500 feet away from churches, schools, playgrounds, public libraries, and residential neighborhoods.
But the city's mayor doesn't believe allowing medical marijuana related businesses to set up shop will lead to significant job growth for folks in Girard.
Several municipalities have banned the medical marijuana based businesses.
Mayor James Melfi plans to veto the emergency legislation he believes might cultivate the wrong message to youth. Melfi said, "You're sending a message that government is now involved in this so it may be ok to partake with this particular substance." Some people we asked expressed concern since Girard, Trumbull County, Ohio and the country are already facing a drug epidemic."
The city's 9,500 residents have had an opportunity to weigh in on the issue at regular city council meetings. Mayor Melfi said, "I let my opinion be known if my veto is overridden by a vote by the city council that's fine. Then we will move on to the next issue that concerns the city."