Akron isn’t ready to embrace medical marijuana just yet.
City Council approved a one-year moratorium Monday night on grow operations, processing and dispensaries.
Akron is looking to join other communities around Ohio that have enacted similar legislation.
The time will be used, city leaders say, to study whether the city should allow the businesses and, if so, where they would be permitted.
“This will give us time to study what is best for Akron,” Councilman Jeff Fusco said.
Ohio became the 25th state to legalize medical marijuana last week, when House Bill 523 took effect. State leaders are still developing rules for producing, prescribing and distributing cannabis to eligible patients, a process that could take up to a year.
Municipalities can control the number of licenses issued and locations in their communities. They don’t, however, have any say on possession or use, which are regulated by the state.
Medical marijuana businesses already are barred from within 500 feet of such places as schools, parks and churches, limiting potential sites in the city.
Akron first needs to figure out whether it wants to be in the medical marijuana business, said James Hardy, chief of staff for Mayor Dan Horrigan.
If it does, city leaders will face questions about whether the businesses should be near liquor stores and check cashing businesses, for example, he said.
Councilman Russel Neal Jr. said he hopes the city will gather feedback from city residents during the review process.
Councilman Rich Swirsky questioned the length of the moratorium.
“It seems like a long time,” he said.
City attorney Ellen Nischt said council can either reduce or extend the moratorium, depending on the review process.
In other business, the council approved a $185,000 annual agreement with Akron Public Schools for after-school programming.
The 16-week program targets low-performing students.
“Engaging the students and providing a safe and caring place is a valuable service we provide,” Swirsky said.
Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter at @armonrickABJ.