The Planning and Zoning committee chair said their recommendations to the Councill will likely fall in line with what the state says.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Metro Council originally proposed additional restrictions on the medical cannabis industry in Louisville, Kentucky — beyond state mandates.
Now, the Planning and Zoning committee chair said their recommendations to the Council will likely fall in line with what the state says.
Restrictions on where dispensaries can be located caught people’s attention. One recommendation by Metro Council was that dispensaries have to be 1,000 feet away from several different places like parks, playgrounds, community centers and religious buildings.
This is in addition to the state requirement that restricts dispensaries from being located within 1,000 feet of schools or daycares.
RELATED: FOCUS: Proposal could greatly restrict locations of medical marijuana businesses in Louisville
Jennifer Dunegan of Louisville has suffered with epilepsy since birth and has since been diagnosed with other diseases. Jennifer told WHAS11 News that she wants medical cannabis to be her primary treatment.
“The problem is going to be, that, for those of us who are sick or don’t drive,” she said.
Patrick Dunegan, director of the Kentucky Cannabis Freedom Coalition, said it’s unfair to add extra hardships on patients.
“For my wife, and for the vets, please don’t put any more restrictions on the sick,” he said.
Metro Council District 24 Rep. Madonna Flood said there’s a push in Metro Council to recognize just the state restrictions.
“We’ll replicate what the state says with the 1,000 feet buffer,” Flood said. “In the latest version I was just handed, we will not recognize the 1,000 feet as it applies to certain things like a library or a religious institution.”
She said the committee tabled the ordinance last week so there is more time to understand the legislation and ensure there are “no unintentional consequences.” The Planning and Zoning committee meets again on July 30 to discuss amendments to the ordinance.
“There’s going to be some minor tweaks and changes on it to recognize state law versus us trying to incorporate things into it,” Flood said.
She added that medical and recreational marijuana should not be confused, and that Metro Council will revisit legislation about recreational marijuana if it becomes legal in the state.
It could move to Metro Council for a vote on Aug. 8.
