Bloomington council approves two cannabis dispensary licenses, votes down on-site use

Posted on December 16, 2019
The Bloomington City Council voted 8-1 to approve two licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries. (YouTube/City of Bloomington)

 

By HOI-ABC and Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – In an emotional Monday night meeting the Bloomington City Council approved two licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries and struck down a measure to allow on-site consumption.

The council voted 8-1 to approve city staff recommendations to allow two licenses for dispensaries.  Our news partner HOI-ABC reports any dispensaries in the city are required to be at least 500 feet from the property line of a pre-existing nursery school, preschool, primary or secondary school, day care, residential care home, place of worship and parks and playgrounds, according to the agenda packet.

The council did not approve a recommendation made by the city’s planning commission to allow on-site cannabis use at dispensaries.  That measure was voted down 7-2.

Unanimously approved were a 3% tax for those selling adult-use cannabis as well as an ordinance that would make cannabis possession illegal for those under 21 as well possession over the legal limit, selling to minors and possession of unapproved plants.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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