City won't enforce marijuana regulations

Although citizens haven't bought a permit or paid a fine for medical marijuana, the city of Moore has decided not to regulate the drug.

Initially the city implemented a rule determining where marijuana businesses could operate and with limiting hours of operation, dispensaries are required to purchase a permit.

However, according to NewsOK, the law was never enforced because of a court case in Broken Arrow. The judge on the case decided these restrictions imposed business owner’s rights laid out in State Question 788.

 “I think any other judge would follow the ruling,” City Attorney Randy Brink said. “The only enforcement that I can determine and see as valid (under SQ 788) is prohibiting dispensaries within 1,000 feet of an educational institution.”

It is appreciated by many in the marijuana industry  Moore is not enforcing the law but Tulsa attorney and representative of business owners, Ron Durbin said he hopes the rules will be eliminated.

“They could change their mind at any time, and my clients would be knowingly violating the ordinances on the books,” he said.

Currently there are ongoing lawsuit against local governments over these marijuana regulations.

Brink explained he believes while the state should have some control over the new industry, it would require state action to regulate.  “I think cities have, or should have, the ability to regulate fairly,” he said.

Durbin disagreed and said there are ways to maintain marijuana businesses without intruding on one’s rights.

“There are reasonable regulations that cities would be able to enforce under 788,” he said.

Copyright The Gayly. 11/4/2018 @ 11:27 a.m. CST.