Second reading of an ordinance restricting cannabis operations in Montpelier sparks debate.

The second reading of an ordinance, restricting cannabis operations in Montpelier, sparks a nearly 30-minute debate at the village council meeting. The ordinance, which passed its second reading, would prohibit cannabis operations in any area not zoned for industry. Although there are some areas in the village zoned this way, they are within 500 feet of a school, church, public library, public playground or public park, so a dispensary wouldn’t be able to open there. The only viable option would be to open in the industrial park. Village Law Director Robert Bohmer said the Ohio General Assembly is still working on amending the statute, legalizing recreational marijuana. That would include what sort of restrictions municipalities can place.