The Owensboro City Commission on Tuesday unanimously approved a new ordinance establishing zoning regulations for medical cannabis dispensaries (MCD) in the city.
A statewide rollout plan was previously introduced that will allow operations to open starting on January 1, 2025. Municipalities were asked to create planning and zoning codes for the businesses before then to allow applicants to develop plans while applying for the sole license per county in the first phase.
The local ordinance sets guidelines for where medical cannabis businesses, including dispensaries and cultivation centers, can operate. The new rules exist to ensure the facilities are not located in close proximity to residential areas, schools, and other “sensitive sites.”
The ordinance includes amendments to three sections of the City’s zoning code: Article 8, concerning zoning districts; Article 13, related to parking and loading requirements; and Article 14, which provides updated definitions for medical cannabis operations.
The zoning regulations align with Kentucky’s new medical cannabis law, which permits the regulated cultivation, processing, and sale of medical marijuana. Per the ordinance, an MCD is not allowed to open in the Downtown Overlay District, which is generally within the following boundaries:
- Northernmost boundary of the Ohio River
- Southernmost boundary of the railroad tracks on 12th Street
- Easternmost boundary of Bolivar Street
- Westernmost boundary of Poplar Street
According to the ordinance an MCD shall not be located within 1,000 feet of an existing primary or secondary school or daycare for children and cannot be closer than a mile from another approved MCD.
Additionally, the state is only allowing one MCD per county in the initial rollout phase.
Other highlights include that the dispensary cannot open earlier than 8 a.m. or later than 8 p.m. and cannot be located at the same site and location used for growing, cultivating, or processing medical cannabis.
The entire ordinance with the schedule of zones is available below.
The Owensboro Metropolitan Planning Commission recommended these changes in August. The City ordinance takes effect immediately according to state law.
