Gleason: Discussion will continue concerning onsite cannabis consumption

Posted on December 18, 2019
Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason spoke Wednesday with WJBC’s Scott Miller. (Scott Miller/WJBC)

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – A leader in Bloomington thinks the discussion surrounding onsite recreational marijuana use will continue once more rules are set at the state level.

The Bloomington City Council this week approved two licenses for recreational marijuana dispensaries but voted down a recommendation made by the city’s planning commission to allow onsite cannabis use at dispensaries.

Bloomington City Manager Tim Gleason spoke with WJBC’s Scott Miller about the council’s decision for onsite consumption.

“I think there were some concerns out of the majority of the council to pass that right now,” said Gleason.  Some probably have an opinion they would never support that, but I think what we heard Monday night and in past discussions is they aren’t opposed to it.  It’s just to soon to consider right now.”

Gleason said he would not be surprised if the conversation continues midway through next year or in the summer.

Meantime, Blake Lives Matter Bloomington-Normal put out a statement on Facebook and said, “there is absolutely no racially-just cannabis reform that does not include onsite consumption.” The organization said, “disallowing onsite use will perpetuate the same system of criminalization that has targeted and brutalized poor people and people of color for generations.”

Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Illinois Jan. 1.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…