Springboro, Ohio, is planning to permanently ban recreational marijuana businesses, but has extended a temporary moratorium on them until the ban is finalized. The city’s law director, Gerald McDonald, stated that the city is finalizing a measure to prohibit the granting of permits and applications for adult-use cannabis cultivation, processing, and dispensaries, similar to its approach with medical marijuana businesses several years ago.
The temporary ban on recreational marijuana was approved by Springboro in December 2023, shortly after Ohio voters approved the legalization of recreational marijuana use. Under Ohio state law, residents over the age of 21 are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana in plant form or up to 15 grams in extract form, and can grow up to six marijuana plants per adult, with a maximum of 12 plants per household.
Several other cities in the region and state have taken similar action, extending their temporary bans on retail sales of recreational marijuana. Springboro’s 300-day ban was set to expire in early October, but the city council recently extended it until the end of the year.
A measure for a permanent ban is expected to be wrapped up next month, with city officials expressing a preference to treat recreational marijuana the same as medical marijuana. McDonald stated that the city wants to ensure a smooth transition and avoid any potential hiccups or changes along the way.
