City council members are considering a new law to create a special account for money the city receives from recreational cannabis sales. The proposal would establish a "Host Community Cannabis Fund" within the city's budget to hold all tax money sent to Warren from the state’s adult-use cannabis program.

The plan follows a 2024 city ordinance that allowed cannabis businesses to operate in Warren under specific zoning rules. That law limits the city to no more than three dispensaries, which must be in Commercial B districts and at least 500 feet away from schools, churches, parks, libraries, or playgrounds.

Currently, two dispensaries operate in the city. Both locations serve medical patients and adult-use customers. Under city rules, the businesses must follow guidelines, such as operating only between 7 a.m. and 9 p.m. and maintaining a no-loitering policy on their property.

The new funding proposal follows guidance from Ohio Auditor Keith Faber to ensure cannabis money is tracked accurately and meets state rules. If passed, the city auditor would have the authority to manage the new account and set rules for how the money is recorded.

City leaders are treating the ordinance as an emergency measure because the account must be ready immediately to accept and spend state funds without delay. The Host Community Cannabis Fund is a state program that returns a portion of cannabis tax revenue to cities that host dispensaries. The Warren City Council is scheduled to vote on the matter during its meeting this evening.