Council members hosted public hearing that could lead to an end on city’s longstanding dispensary ban
Council members hosted public hearing that could lead to an end on city’s longstanding dispensary ban
Council members hosted public hearing that could lead to an end on city’s longstanding dispensary ban
Hamilton City Council held a public hearing Tuesday evening to discuss a proposed zoning change that could allow marijuana dispensaries in specific areas of the city, marking a potential shift from its decade-long ban.
The proposed zoning ordinance focuses on areas like a stretch of land between Hancock Avenue and South Erie Boulevard. If approved, it would permit dispensaries in certain parts of Hamilton while imposing stricter regulations than state law, including a requirement for dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet from schools and childcare facilities.
Lauren Nelson, Hamilton’s planning director, explained the purpose of the hearing. “There’s no vote tonight. But it is the public hearing,” Nelson said.
Nelson further elaborated on the decision facing the council. “What is headed to City Council really is a policy question for council to answer in terms of: is this a land use that we want in the city of Hamilton or is it not?” she said.
While Hamilton debates the issue, nearby communities that have welcomed dispensaries are already seeing financial benefits, based on a cannabis host city community funding mechanism Ohio voters approved in 2023. Data from Ohio’s adult-use cannabis excise tax shows the village of Seven Mile has received more than $520,000, Monroe has collected $1.18 million, and Oxford has gained $451,000.
Tana Earnest, who works at Seven Mile Market, said Bloom Medicinals, a dispensary just down the road, has brought business and visitors to the village. “We get customers every day from down there,” Earnest said.
Earnest, who lives in Hamilton, expressed her support for the proposal. “I think it would be good. I really think it would be good for the city just like it’s here for Seven Mile,” she said.
If council members decide to move forward after Tuesday’s public hearing, a vote will be scheduled to determine whether Hamilton’s longstanding ban on dispensaries will be lifted.
Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites.