The city of Huber Heights has passed a moratorium on medical marijuana. It’s the latest on a growing list of Miami Valley cities that have already passed their own bans following Ohio’s legalization of medical pot in 2016.
Huber Heights joins Beavercreek, Miamisburg, Oakwood, and Springboro in banning the cultivation and retail sale of medical marijuana within city limits. Huber Heights’ decision follows U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ recent proposal to change how the federal government handles legalized marijuana.
Wright State University professor Lee Hannah studies marijuana legalization across the U.S. He says more Ohio cities may be hesitant to implement the medical marijuana program if federal prosecutors target medical marijuana businesses.
“I think one thing that we’re broadly seeing, whether its actions by Jeff Sessions or Huber Heights, is that there’s so much uncertainty in this industry. It’s a non-traditional business model. There’s just so many concerns that have come up.”
Hannah says many local governments are also grappling with how to prepare for a host of thorny logistical and legal questions.
The state has already awarded two dozen marijuana cultivation licenses. The program is set to be fully operational in September of this year.