4 years, 7 months ago by Scott Hardy
Also approves 3% tax on sales
The Quincy City Council has narrowly approved an ordinance to zone where recreational marijuana can be sold in the city, and a second ordinance to tax its sales. Scott Hardy has more.
( Audio 1:54 )
By an 8 to 5 vote, the City Council Monday night approved an ordinance that will set up guidelines for selling recreational marijuana in the city. Two aldermen were absent, and Quincy Mayor Kyle Moore cast the deciding 8th vote. After the meeting, Moore explained why he cast that vote, saying that outside companies were looking at border communities like Quincy for future dispensaries. Moore also said that because the Adams County Board passed a similar law last week, the city needed to follow suit.
( Mayore Kyle Moore :32 )
Moore says early estimates see the city collecting between $60,000 and $200,000 a year through marijuana sales. Under the ordinance, dispensaries would be limited to east Broadway and The District. An amendment to the ordinance from 7th Ward Alderman Jack Holtschlag, to have dispensaries obtain a special use permit to operate, was defeated in a voice vote. Holtschlag issued a written statement after the meeting, saying that what he's opposed to in the current state law and current ordinance is "politicians and big corporations muscling out our local small businesses out of this opportunity." Green Thumb Incorporated, which operates in 10 other states, and Quincy-based Herbal Remedies have both expressed interest in opening dispensaries.The state will issue dispensary licenses, and owners will have to locate 1500 feet from each other, and 100 feet away from schools and day-cares.
A second ordinance, also approved by the Council, establishes a 3 per cent sales tax on marijuana sales in Quincy. Both ordinances are now in effect, while the state's marijuana use law goes into effect January 1st.
