Richmond Heights City Council met on May 28 to address the current four-month moratorium on recreational cannabis within the city. The council members expressed some confusion regarding the potential implications of having a cannabis store in the city, especially since a previous council had approved a medical cannabis facility in 2016 that was never built due to financial issues.
The legislation to extend the moratorium, set to expire in mid-June, was kept on first reading with a final vote expected at the next council meeting in June. Council President Bobby Jordan urged members to assess their respective wards to determine suitable locations for a potential cannabis retail outlet, taking into account the presence of churches, schools, and other businesses.
Jordan emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research and consulting with legal experts to understand the impact of legal marijuana on the community. He expressed concerns about the potential proliferation of dispensaries in the city and emphasized the need for controlled growth to avoid overwhelming the community.
Despite little progress being made during the current moratorium, Jordan highlighted the council’s commitment to researching the issue and making informed decisions for the benefit of the community. He stressed the importance of learning from other cities’ experiences and implementing best practices to ensure responsible and sustainable development in Richmond Heights. The council’s proactive approach to addressing the cannabis issue reflects their dedication to serving the community’s best interests.