A step toward the zoning of medical marijuana shops has been taken by the St. Joseph City Council.
The council, on a narrow 5-4 vote, approved a non-binding resolution which supports future changes to the city Code of Ordinances to set zoning for the cultivating, dispensing, and testing of medical marijuana.
The council will await a proposal from the Planning and Zoning Commission before making a final decision. The commission is considering allowing medical marijuana shops in neighborhood and shopping districts. Manufacturing and cultivation as well as testing could be allowed in light manufacturing districts.
A proposed loosening of the restriction that marijuana facilities be at least 1,000 feet from schools, daycare facilities, and churches drew opposition during the council meeting.
Former City Council member Joyce Starr was among citizens who voiced opposition to dropping the requirement from 1,000 feet to 300 feet. Starr raised concerns the change could endanger children. Starr suggested marijuana facilities be restricted to areas zoned for manufacturing. Two cultivating and manufacturing sites have been proposed near 22nd Street and Mitchell Avenue.
The Planning and Zoning Commission plans to take up the issue later this month.
