Carson City agrees to allow zoning for medical marijuana establishments
An ordinance allowing for two medical marijuana dispensaries and facilities allowing for cultivation was approved Thursday in a 4 to 1 vote by the Carson City Board of Supervisors.
Supervisor Jim Shirk switched his position from the first reading, arguing against allowing for cultivation facilities saying that Carson City will be home to businesses from other counties who have opted out of allowing for medical marijuana.
He was emphatic against allowing for production facilities in Carson City and was equally emphatic for the rights of people to use medical marijuana if they have a prescription from a doctor. As Shirk argued that there could be dozens of marijuana production facilities allowed, Supervisor Brad Bonkowski countered the argument saying he was confident that millions of pounds of marijuana won't be processed in Carson City to supply just two dispensaries, which was written into the zoning ordinance.
The measure came before the board as part of Senate Bill (SB) 374, commonly referred to as the “Medical Marijuana Act,” that was adopted by the Nevada Legislature and signed into law in 2013.
The law authorizes medical marijuana establishments in Nevada, but gives local jurisdictions the right to opt in or out. Carson City leaders had tentatively decided to opt in, and agreed Thursday in the 4 to 1 vote to abide by the law by creating regulated zoning areas and business license requirements.
Thursday's decision was the final reading of the ordinance. The evening meeting was requested by Supervisor Shirk who said he wanted to make sure residents who work in the day and wish to speak could be able to do so.
Shirk made a motion to allow for 1 dispensary, the first six months, a second dispensary in another six months, and then from watching over the dispensaries, see what would happen and possibly allow for cultivation and production facilities. The motion failed.
A number of people spoke in favor and against the zoning changes and the proposal to allow for medical marijuana establishments. Even Nevada Appeal columnist Guy Farmer chimed in, questioned Supervisor Bonkowski's ethics on how he would vote on the matter and then took a personal shot at the supervisor's partner.
Go here to view the zoning boundary maps and to read the ordinance.