MIAMISBURG, Ohio (WDTN) — Another local city has made the call to ban marijuana sales, following dozens of other jurisdictions within the Miami Valley.
Miamisburg city leaders decided during Tuesday’s city council meeting that selling and growing the plant would be illegal, effective immediately.
Banned marijuana sales has the city of Miamisburg divided. While city leaders tell 2 NEWS this was a long time coming, and some residents agree, others say the decision was misinformed.
“I think that’s a hasty decision,” said Destinye McLean, Miamisburg resident. “Do some more research and give it some more time instead of just making this cut.”
City leadership says the decision has been in the works for a year, as they have been closely watching state legislators to see what they’ll do.
“We’ve discussed it several times throughout the past year,” said Michelle Collins, Miamisburg mayor. “There was always pending legislation on the state level that could change regulations on the city level, we just don’t know what those are.”
Mayor Collins tells 2 NEWS that the ambiguity from state lawmakers on the issue of selling and growing as well as revenue was the breaking point. On Tuesday night, city officials voted unanimously on the permanent ban.
“We know that there are surrounding communities that are doing that and our residents can choose to go to those if need be,” said Collins.
Residents are divided on the decision, with some telling 2 NEWS they are indifferent, some saying this is a good thing, and others frustrated by the outcome.
One resident says money is one of the main factors.
“Going to the recreational stores saves a lot of money compared to the cost of medication,” said Sarah Martin, Miamisburg resident. “And just the issues with getting to that doctor, they’re only thinking about themselves and they’re not seeing the bigger picture.”
When speaking with the Mayor, Collins says that with at least the current city council, there will be no consideration on repealing the moratorium on marijuana sales in Miamisburg.
