The first cannabis dispensary in Jackson County, West Virginia could soon become a reality, but not without controversy. Residents of Ripley’s Crown Drive neighborhood recently learned that a nearby property is being considered as the site for the county’s first medical cannabis dispensary, sparking intense local discussion.
Many neighbors emphasize they are not opposed to a cannabis dispensary in Jackson County for medical use, but they believe the proposed location is too close to homes. “To look at that every day is not going to be pleasant. It’s just no place, really, for a dispensary. Put it in an industrial park somewhere, just not right here in our community,” one resident said. Their comments reflect a growing debate in Jackson County about where a cannabis dispensary should be located to balance access with community character.
Safety and traffic are top concerns. Neighbors say a cannabis dispensary on Crown Drive could increase both vehicle and foot traffic near their homes. One resident stated, “My concern is the traffic that it’s going to bring to Crown Drive, possibly in the front of my house, whether it’s walking traffic or turnaround traffic. Also, it could bring a lot into the youth that we don’t need here in Jackson County.”
West Virginia Delegate Happy Joe Parsons, who also lives in the area, has joined his neighbors in submitting written objections to the Jackson County Board of Health. In his letter, Parsons urged officials to reconsider the proposed cannabis dispensary site or explore alternate locations within Jackson County that might be more suitable.
According to a flyer distributed to nearby residents, the public has until Friday, October 17, to submit concerns before a decision is made at the Jackson County Board of Health meeting on October 21. Both the West Virginia Department of Health and the Jackson County Board of Health have said they cannot comment further until additional information is released.
The debate highlights the challenges counties face when implementing medical marijuana programs. While many residents welcome the economic and health benefits of a regulated cannabis dispensary, others worry about proximity to schools, homes, and youth activity areas. As Jackson County moves closer to approving its first cannabis dispensary, officials will need to balance patient access, public safety, and community preferences.
Whatever the outcome, this decision will likely shape the future of how Jackson County handles cannabis dispensary zoning and regulation for years to come.