West Chester, Other Townships Impose Restrictions on Recreational Marijuana Days Before Legalization Takes Effect

Recreational marijuana will become legal in Ohio this week, after the passage of Issue 2, but some municipalities are imposing temporary limitations on the sale and cultivation of the drug.

During a Dec. 5 meeting, the West Chester Board of Trustees voted to pause the sale and cultivation of marijuana in their township. The Board voted unanimously in favor of a 360-day moratorium in an “emergency resolution,” one day after Fairfield City Council voted to ban marijuana dispensaries within city limits until September 2024. Only one Fairfield City Councilmember, Matt Davidson, voted against the moratorium.

Three “emergency resolutions” were addressed in the West Chester Board of Trustees meeting on Dec. 5, one of which was “Resolution 51-2023,” which imposes a moratorium on the sale and cultivation of recreational marijuana.

“As with any new law there remain substantial questions as to the functionality of the new statutes,” Township Administrator Larry D. Burks read during the meeting. “West Chester is proposing a 360-day moratorium on this […] so it can properly vet and analyze the new law once it is fully understood and implemented. This moratorium is not an attempt to thwart the will of the voters. It is simply a chance to properly understand the details and intricacies of the new law so that West Chester does not serve as a test case for the law’s implementation.”
West Chester residents will still be able to use cannabis in West Chester.

Last month, Ohioans voted to pass Issue 2 during the state's Nov. 7 general election. On Dec. 7, the possession of marijuana and home-cultivation for Ohioans 21 and older will be legal. The passing of Issue 2 allows adults 21 and older to use and possess marijuana, along with cultivating up to six plants per person and twelve plants per residence. As of tomorrow, of-age Ohioans will be able to legally buy and apply to sell marijuana in a highly regulated recreational economy.

But for now, West Chester and Fairfield will impose limitations on details of the law. The two townships voted just days before recreational marijuana legalization will take place, while Colerain Township imposed limitations in October.

On Oct. 27 — before the November election took place or was decided — the Colerain Board of Trustees voted to ban marijuana retail shops within township limits.

After 360 days, the West Chester Board of Trustees will reevaluate the issue.


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