On Tuesday evening the Erlanger City Council discussed what steps it would take when regulating medicinal cannabis.
Senate Bill 47, which covered the legalization of medicinal cannabis in Kentucky, was signed into law by Gov. Andy Beshear in March of last year. The law enables the regulation of medicinal cannabis usage statewide starting on Jan. 1, 2025, as long as the individual has a medical card from a physician.
Sharmili Reddy, the executive director of Kenton County Planning and Development Services, spoke with the council about the laws and regulations that govern medicinal cannabis facilities and what options the city has when it comes to regulating these businesses. Some notable options included letting citizens vote on establishing these businesses or completely banning them from being in the city altogether.
However, cities cannot be less restrictive than the state statute or impose undue burden on businesses. The city also cannot regulate the usage of medicinal cannabis by cardholders.
Mayor Jessica Fette said that she hopes that jurisdictions in Kenton County can create a consistent rule set to ease the process.
“If we could do this right this time and set a precedent for future decision-making where we’re you know unified [that way] you’re not going down Dixie Highway and you’re jumping from one rule to the next rule and the next rule, it would make it a lot simpler for all of our residents and business owners if they had at least some consistency in Kenton County,” she said.
One question posed by council member Tyson Hermes was an individual’s ability to work while taking medicinal cannabis.
“I think a comparative association here is really important, [and] there are other substances that are going to be prescribed that would say things like ‘Do not operate heavy machinery’ and ‘May cause drowsiness,’” said Dr. Michael Reeser, a clinical psychologist who operates a private practice in Erlanger. “These are going to be the same things that we’re going to take into consideration when using this substance.”
Fette added that she had already begun looking into employment policies in other states where recreational and medicinal cannabis was allowed.
Council member Jennifer Jasper-Lucas favored allowing medicinal cannabis storefronts to open in Erlanger for numerous reasons, including potential revenue for the city through taxes and fees. Throughout her comment, she spoke about her personal and professional experience as an insurance agent who works with dispensaries, from processors to safety compliance workers.
“We have space available for all types of cannabis businesses throughout Erlanger,” she added. “If we say no, the businesses will locate elsewhere, and we will miss out on potential revenue that they could bring, and we open ourselves up to an override of our ban by voters.”
No council members were in favor of outright banning establishments selling medicinal cannabis when asked by City Attorney Jack Gatlin.
Fette said that the city’s first hurdle would be to decide the legislative body option they want to pick, such as letting the community vote on a ballot or as a council. After that decision, the city would move forward with zoning, permit fees, and other regulations.
To read more about the medicinal cannabis meeting with Kenton County officials, click here.