Three companies are applying for medical marijuana dispensaries in Cincinnati's Columbia Township. Administrator Mike Lemon says the clinics project they could do as much as $50 million in business in three to five years, significantly contributing to the economy.
The Columbia Township Board of Trustees approved legislation establishing zoning for one dispensary in the Ridge and Highland commercial area.
According to Lemon, "This will serve as a win-win for everyone involved."
He stresses it has to be located in the appropriate place and benefit the township. Trustees have banned cultivation.
Companies began contacting Lemon and it came down to the wire whether or not they could list Columbia Township as their location.
"We actually started undertaking legislation after doing our research on Nov. 9 and then we actually passed legislation Nov. 14. The applicants had to have their submissions to the state on Nov. 17," according to Lemon.
Many Hamilton County townships have banned both cultivation and dispensaries, including Sycamore Township which made an exception for Jewish Hospital. It will be allowed to dispense medical marijuana to its patients but cannot sell to the general public.
Whitewater Township says it has no restrictions on growing or selling.
Anderson Township allows cultivation in an industrial development corridor along Roundbottom Road and will revisit whether to allow dispensaries in the future.
Monroe prepares for marijuana cultivation
A Butler County city in high demand for would-be medical marijuana growers is preparing to get one, and the tax dollars that come with it.
Hemma LLC, according to records filed with the State of Ohio, will be located at 100 Edison Drive near Rivertown Brewery and Barrell House in Monroe.
City Development Director Kevin Chesar tells the Dayton Daily News the company will have to go through a formal zoning process. "They can't get zoning approval until they formally apply with us."
Four companies applied with the State to grow medical marijuana in Monroe, but only Level 2 grower Hemma was chosen. It's owned by Elizabeth Van Dulman of Modster.
