Westerville is halting recreational marijuana sales as it reviews state regulations

Westerville cannabis lovers looking for product in town will have to wait a little longer.

On Tuesday night, the Westerville City Council voted to place a moratorium on recreational marijuana sales in the suburbs. The ordinance, which passed by a 6-1 majority, is intended to provide the city with a period to study and develop a comprehensive cannabis action plan.

The moratorium will remain in effect until Jan. 7, at which time city staff will collect data, monitor developments at the state level and develop recommendations on how to integrate or regulate cannabis sales in Westerville. This pause allows the city to align its local policies with state regulations and community expectations.

During the meeting, the Council discussed several key points:

Study period: The temporary pause will allow city staff time to investigate and respond to questions raised by council members and the public. This includes determining where dispensaries could be located and understanding how cannabis businesses could impact the community.
Condition monitoring: The city will closely monitor the activities of the Ohio General Assembly and the Division of Cannabis Control. Six bills have been proposed that could change voter-approved regulations, affecting how recreational marijuana is managed across the state.
Public input and zoning considerations: The Council stressed the need for public input and careful consideration of zoning rules. Currently, the city’s zoning regulations do not allow marijuana-related businesses, so a thorough review and possible changes are needed.
No impact for personal use: The moratorium does not affect people’s rights to use, possess or cultivate recreational marijuana at home. It only delays the opening of commercial cannabis businesses until clear rules are in place.

Some council members saw the moratorium as a necessary step to ensure informed decision-making, while others expressed concerns about potential delays in implementing the will of voters.

The Council recognized the need to balance public opinion with responsible governance.

Vice Mayor Coutanya Coombs emphasized that the moratorium provides clarity in an uncertain environment, allowing the city to adequately prepare for the integration of cannabis businesses.

“If we’re not sure what lawmakers will do, I think it’s best for us to sit back, analyze the situation and then make an informed decision.” Coombs said.

Councilmember Aaron Glasgow agreed, acknowledging practical challenges such as zoning and potential changes in state laws that require this pause.

Mayor Kenneth Wright, who was the lone no vote, expressed concern that the moratorium could be seen as a delaying tactic, stressing the need to respect the will of voters who approved recreational marijuana.

“Considering we voted on this last November and it’s already June, I think this is another example of kicking the can down the road.” Wright said.

“I hope that we use this time effectively as Team Westerville to develop an action plan that will ultimately enable these businesses to exist here,” said council member Megan Reamsnyder. “I support the will of the voters, so I believe we should take this issue seriously.”

Other council members agreed, wanting to avoid a repeat of 2017, when the city was considering medical marijuana. After the original moratorium in 2017, the city council extended it and ultimately passed an ordinance banning medical marijuana sales in Westerville.

This time, however, looking to the future, the city plans to be more proactive and return to the issue in September, after expected regulations updates by the Cannabis Control Division.

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