WARREN, Ohio - Now that the state is issuing licenses for the sale of recreational marijuana, Warren City Council members will consider emergency legislation establishing rules for as many as three recreational marijuana dispensaries in the city.

If approved at Wednesday’s 5 p.m. council meeting, an ordinance would go into effect immediately setting the rules for a maximum of three dispensaries in commercially zoned districts in Warren.

No dispensary could be within 500 feet of a church, public library, public playground, public park, or school.

Dispensary operators must submit security plans including adequate lighting, alarms, security cameras, and a security officer who is certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Loitering would be prohibited outside dispensaries, which would be limited to operating between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m., seven days a week.

Also prohibited would be exterior signs or decorations depicting marijuana leaves or marijuana smoking.

While many Ohio communities have either approved or are considering similar ordinances, several others have chosen to ban the sale of recreational marijuana.