Explanation
BACKGROUND:
In response to the creation of the Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program in 2018, the Zoning Code was updated to specify which zoning districts the uses licensed under the State program would be allowed in based upon already codified similar land uses. In addition, it created the requirement and review standards for obtaining a Special Permit from the Columbus Board of Zoning Adjustment for the establishment of an Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program Retail Dispensary.
In November 2023, Issue 2 was placed on the ballot for Ohio voters to decide whether to commercialize, regulate, and legalize the adult use of cannabis in the State of Ohio. Specifically, Issue 2 legalized and provided for the regulation of recreational marijuana for adults aged 21 and above, including cultivation, processing, sale, and purchase.
The Special Permit requirement for Medical Marijuana Dispensaries was added as a way to require the Owner to present certain information to their neighbors. Now, the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control has its own regulations for all cannabis uses, both medical and adult use (non-medical), and maintains lists of the Owners on its website with a mapping feature to show the locations of the dispensaries. Based on these stringent requirements, and the fact that existing dispensaries have not posed harm to Columbus’ public safety and welfare, the Special Permit is unnecessary for all dispensary uses. These code changes will not alter, change, lessen, or abrogate any of the state level standards or requirements for any licensed facility under the control of the Ohio Division of Cannabis Control.
These code changes also include updates to prohibited uses and redefined terms to align with Title 23, the General Offenses Code, and Title 25, the Fire Prevention Code, which were requested by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
Title
To supplement the Columbus Zoning Code, Title 33, by amending or adding various code sect...
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