MISSOULA — An ordinance was introduced during Monday evening’s Missoula City Council meeting to temporarily pause the issuance of new business licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries. Supporters of the measure believe it will help reduce underage access to marijuana.
Over the past year, Missoula Public Health officials and city council members have been holding discussions about the concerning increase in young individuals ending up in the emergency room, entering rehabilitation programs, and experiencing adverse effects from cannabis consumption.
Currently, there are 51 dispensaries operating in Missoula, with eight applications awaiting approval.
Gwen Jones, a member of the Missoula City Council who proposed the ordinance, stated that the pause on business licenses will provide an opportunity for the council to review and potentially modify the zoning regulations related to the dispensaries’ locations.
“There is a wealth of information and research indicating that communities with a higher number of dispensaries tend to have greater youth marijuana usage,” Jones explained. “By reducing the visibility of dispensaries in Missoula, we can still offer the service while creating a more conducive environment in the long term.”
A public hearing on the proposed ordinance by the Missoula City Council is scheduled for July 8, 2024.
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