The City of Riverside tackled the municipal implications of the legalization of medical marijuana at a recent meeting.
At the Tuesday, June 18 meeting, the board of aldermen held a public hearing on zoning changes to allow medical marijuana dispensaries and other related operations in certain areas of Riverside. While the bulk of the new law is state-mandated, cities can designate which zoning districts can house marijuana-related operations. Dispensaries would be allowed in commercial districts, much like pharmacies, according to city planner Sarah Wagner. The city can also set the distance dispensaries must be set back from schools, churches and daycares. The city has proposed 300 feet — similar to establishments selling alcohol. The board can also regulate the hours of such businesses, with staff recommending hours of 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. during the week and 9 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
Aldermen questioned why the dispensaries should be open later on Fridays and Saturdays if the marijuana is mandated for medical purposes. If the dispensaries are equated to pharmacies, then there is no reason to have special weekend hours, which could imply people are picking up the marijuana for recreational purposes.
“It’s a complete unknown to us,” said mayor Kathy Rose as aldermen threw out several possible scenarios for people purchasing alcohol and marijuana on a Friday night.
Some aldermen suggested setting restrictive parameters and perhaps easing them should the circumstances merit it as time passes.
Cities cannot prohibit access to dispensaries, according to director of community development Mike Duffy, or create a restrictive burden for patients who wish to purchase medical marijuana.
Missouri will begin accepting full applications for medical marijuana facilities in early August, and the city needs to establish parameters for those who may wish to open one in Riverside.
“We didn’t really equate it to the concept of a liquor store or convenience store,” Duffy said, in defense of the hours suggested. “We were trying to keep in mind the overarching goal of access for people who work during the week.
“As the mayor said, this is a new frontier in Missouri. We don’t have anything to compare this with because we don’t regulate the hours of a CVS (pharmacy) after all.”
Rose said businessmen who have approached the city to inquire about applications were appreciative that the city was looking at its ordinances early instead of waiting until the state deadline.
Duffy explained the state rules for minimum access, which are parceled out by congressional district. A minimum of 24 dispensaries shall be opened in District 6 within the first year, provided the state receives applications that meet all other requirements. Additional rules will govern growing operations and access to marijuana infused products.
Aldermen suggested cutting weekend hours back to 10 p.m. and the board tabled further discussion until the Tuesday, July 2 meeting. The results of that meeting will be published in a future issue.