Cannabis enthusiasts in Newark will have limited options when it comes to buying recreational marijuana, as the city has decided to cap the number of dispensaries at three.
The Newark City Council unanimously passed an ordinance Monday that restricts the operation of recreational dispensaries to those facilities already established as medical marijuana locations within the city.
The approved ordinance not only limits the total number of dispensaries but also imposes licensing requirements. Facilities wishing to sell marijuana for adult use must first acquire a dual-use license, which permits them to operate under both medical and non-medical cannabis statutes.
Additionally, to even apply for an adult-use marijuana license, a facility must already possess a certificate of operation for medical marijuana
As a result of this ordinance, recreational marijuana sales in Newark will be confined to three existing dispensaries: Sunnyside Medical Marijuana Dispensary, 1546 W. Church St.; Curaleaf, 1150 N. 21st St.; and Zen Leaf, 1250 N. 21st St.
Each started as medical dispensaries and will now serve both medical patients and recreational users. Sunnyside is the only one the three that has been approved by the state for a dual license according to Secretary of State's office.
Council member Jonathan Lang, R-5th Ward, emphasized the need for a regulatory framework that mirrors the control seen with liquor stores, advocating for fair business practices and public safety.
"We are ensuring that these facilities are not just compliant with state regulations but also beneficial to our local community standards," Lang said during the discussion.
Council members also addressed concerns about public health.
"This ordinance allows us to place a cap on the expansion of dispensaries while we assess the community impact and ensure that our regulatory framework keeps pace with public needs," said council member Beth Bline, R-2nd Ward.
She also noted that the limited number of dispensaries would facilitate closer monitoring and easier enforcement of compliance with health and safety standards.
"I think this is a good compromise that gets us to a place where we're not over-regulating the market," Lang said.
The city's Public Safety Committee endorsed the ordinance June 17, proposing the restriction after a careful review and a previously tabled discussion June 3.
This limitation aims to maintain stringent oversight and community safety while adapting to Ohio’s legal landscape, where recreational marijuana was sanctioned by voters in the 2023 general election.
Newark resident Bob Klockner expressed concerns on public health as well.
"Marijuana is a lot more strong and a lot more dangerous that it's ever been, and I believe this also means it's going to be a lot more dangerous for the whole Newark community."
Bline agreed.
"There's no good data out there yet," she said. "There is nothing foundational to say whether or not this (marijuana consumption) is harmful to people in the long-run."
The council also discussed potential future expansions and adjustments to the ordinance as the city evaluates the initial rollout of recreational marijuana sales. Safety Director Tim Hickman noted that the dispensaries are expected to receive their updated licenses by early July, ensuring compliance with both state and local regulations.
With the ordinance now in effect, Newark aligns with other Ohio municipalities that have adopted a cautious stance on recreational marijuana, navigating new regulatory challenges and community concerns in the post-legalization era.
Jewolf@gannett.com
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