2019/10/21 - Mayor's Column: Update on Recreational Cannabis
“An Open Door to O’Fallon”
A Weekly Note from Mayor Herb Roach
By now, most have heard that beginning on January 1, 2020 it becomes legal in the State of Illinois to possess and consume cannabis for recreation use. The new law also allows for individuals with medical approval to grow up to five cannabis plants in their home, under certain restrictions. While the consumption of cannabis will become legal, the new law still prohibits the consumption of cannabis in public spaces, including parks.
While the new law legalizes the possession and consumption of recreational cannabis, The Act provides that municipalities have the authority to regulate adult-use cannabis business establishments through zoning, taxation, and prohibition.
The state law defines adult-use cannabis business establishments as: a cultivation center, craft grower, processing organization, infuser organization, dispensing organization or transporting organization.
The City of O’Fallon in September joined many other communities around the State in placing a ban on the establishment of Retail Sales Facilities, Smoke Shops and Commercial growing facilities. At the time of this passage the City Council said it wanted to continue to study the impact that these types of operations could have on the Quality of Life and Safety of our residents in our community.
Two weeks ago, the City Council put into motion the second phase of the current ban on the sale of cannabis in the City of O’Fallon. In their attempt to get as much feedback as possible, they voted to put a question regarding adult-use cannabis business establishments on the March 2020 election ballot.
As part of that continuing study and gathering of information, the City Council has voted to allow the Citizens of O’Fallon to have their own input by voting on a ballot question in the March 2020 election.
O’Fallon Citizens can say ‘yes’ that they would like to have the adult-use cannabis business establishments allowed in the City and acknowledge that it may have an impact on the quality of life within our community.
Or our residents may vote ‘no’, which indicated that they would like to continue the prohibition of adult-use cannabis business establishments.
Please remember that no matter which way the residents or City Council decide to vote, It does not take away the use of cannabis in private homes or the growth in private homes for medical purposes which are allowed across the State of Illinois under the new law.
This vote by the public is not a binding vote on the City Council but it is an additional piece of information for the Council to consider as it goes forward with their deliberations. The ultimate decision will be by a vote of the City Council.
When asked my opinion about this public vote, I have quickly responded that our citizens are intelligent and know what is best for our City. They should let their Aldermen know and get out and vote. I can think of other examples where the City has prohibited a type of business to exist because it may have an adverse impact on quality of life or does not add value to the community.
As residents of O’Fallon, you should always be able to reach out to your elected officials and ask questions about what is happening in O’Fallon. Having open communications is important to me and something I care very deeply about. Thank you for reading, and please remember, my door is always open!