Ridgeland board opts out of medical marijuana

RIDGELAND — Officials here have opted out of medical marijuana as a May deadline looms.

Officials said this gives them time to observe what is happening elsewhere and they can always opt back in.

A resolution opting out of the “cultivation, processing, sale and/or distribution of medical cannabis and cannabis products within the geographical limits of the city” was approved Tuesday night.

Mayor Gene F. McGee said that he has read the law carefully and believes the city loses nothing by opting out. He said that the city sets an example by making the decision well before the May 3 deadline and gives city officials time to observe what happens elsewhere. 

He said the city is free to opt back in if they feel that is a good direction.

McGee said that this also gives the Community Development department time to develop any zoning amendments that will be necessary if they allow the industry into town. 

McGee said that the department would likely not have time to develop and fine tune the zoning laws the city would want in place were they to opt-in.

Alderman-at-Large D.I. Smith and Ward 1 Alderman Ken Heard offered some pushback on opting out. 

The item was originally on the consent agenda and Smith asked that it be removed for separate discussion and approval.

“I feel like we still have time to make a decision,” Smith said, noting that the medical marijuana bill was voted in favor by the citizens of the state including those who lived in Ridgeland.

Heard echoed Smith’s position and suggested the issue be tabled until the first meeting in April.

Ward 2 Alderman Chuck Gautier said that in his belief medical cannabis will be available to their citizens who want or need it as nearby cities are likely to opt-in.

Gautier made the motion to adopt the resolution opting out and Ward 5 Alderman Bill Lee seconded the motion.

The resolution was approved unanimously in a 7-0 vote.

The legislature approved a medical marijuana measure in January a year after voters approved and initiative that was struck down by the state Supreme Court for procedural reasons.

This final bill allowed local governments more zoning control over where marijuana growing or processing operations would be allowed. 

The Senate also agreed to changes the House made to the bill last week, including lowering the amount of marijuana a patient can have from 3.5 ounces a month to 3 ounces and removing the Department of Agriculture from any regulation and oversight of the program.