Massillon adjusts proposed startup fees for recreational marijuana shops in the city

MASSILLON – Officials are pushing the reset button on legislation aimed at allowing recreational marijuana operations to open in the city.

A proposal was presented Monday night by Councilman Mike Gregg, R-Ward 3, amending the limit on the number of marijuana operators to no more than two citywide.

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Also being tweaked by City Council is the fee portion in a separate but related proposal. A startup fee per marijuana dispensary has been reset to $5,000, with a $5,000 operations license due a year later, according to Development Director Ted Herncane . A license renewal would cost $10,000 every two years after that.

When legislation was introduced by Herncane to council in late June, the initial fee amount and license were each $50,000. The two-year renewal at the time was $100,000.

The fee adjustments are more conducive for small business marijuana operators who may be interested in opening a shop in Massillon, Herncane said.

Last year, voters in Ohio approved an initiative to regulate and legalize recreational marijuana ― Issue 2 , which allows adults 21 and older to possess, grow and use it for recreational purposes.

Massillon voters approved the state legalization with 57% of the vote, as all six city wards were in favor.

Two city proposals are on the table related to marijuana. One is to authorize the recreational aspect as an official use in Massillon — falling in line with the state issue — while the other sets fees and assigns areas where marijuana businesses can open.

A public hearing to discuss recreational marijuana in Massillon is set for 5:30 p.m. Aug. 12 in the City Council chamber at City Hall, 2 James Duncan Plaza SE.

Consideration on the marijuana legislation is planned next week during council's regular meeting.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com . On X: @sgrazierINDE

This article originally appeared on The Independent: Massillon adjusts proposed startup fees for recreational marijuana shops in the city