Desloge Board of Alderman dives into medical marijuana discussion

by Brandon Dunn

Four officials were sworn in during the Desloge Board of Aldermen meeting Monday April 8.

Mayor David Kater, Alderman Jerry Hulsey, Alderman Chris Gremminger, and Alderman David Shaw were sworn in to office prior to hearing from City Attorney Scott Reid who advised the board of multiple issues to be considered in the coming year.

Among those topics Reid advised that the board needed to begin considering the creation of ordinances for medical marijuana businesses.

Reid advised the board that four classifications of businesses to be licensed by the state will begin receiving licenses from the state beginning in January of 2020.

Reid described the dispensary business as the “pharmacy,” a place where individuals with a state issued medical card would be able to purchase medical marijuana.

Reid continued, describing cultivation licensees as an agricultural-type business, and stating that a testing facility would conduct chemical testing on products to ensure that it meets standards for sale or consumption.

Reid told the board that the final type of licensee was manufacturing facilities. Reid described these businesses, saying they would create medical marijuana-infused products such as edibles.

Reid reviewed language from Amendment 2 citing the existing 1,000 foot  buffer between facilities and any church, school, or existing licensed daycare, and advising that while the board could reduce the buffer zone, the law explicitly denies municipalities from increasing the minimum distances.

Alderman Gremminger advised that facilities may have difficulty in finding locations in Desloge that meet the existing 1,000 foot buffer.

“We have a church on every corner and schools line the whole center of town,”

Alderman Chris Gremminger.

Reid also advised that the city will need to determine zoning regulations and what, if any, permit types to be required.

Reid recommended the board consider conditional use permits for all four types of business, advising it would grant some leeway with the board to place restrictions.

“We also have to think about what hours of operation we would allow these dispensaries to do business,” said Reid.

Finally, Reid asked the board to consider whether or not the city would allow dispensaries to permit consumption on site.

REid concluded saying he would compose a rough draft ordinance for the board to review and critique, and would then send back to be voted into law.