Tipp City prohibits commercial cultivation, processing, dispensing of marijuana

There’s no economic incentive due to the state keeping all taxes from cannabis operations, council members says.
The government center building in Tipp City.

The government center building in Tipp City.

An ordinance prohibiting the commercial cultivation, processing and dispensing of cannabis in Tipp City was approved unanimously by City Council during a recent council meeting.

The council previously had enacted two moratoriums on the cannabis activities to allow staff research and recommendations related to the benefits and consequences of allowing, limiting, or prohibiting the cultivation, processing and/or dispensing adult use cannabis and to prepare any necessary changes to city code, said Eric Mack, city manager.

Council’s ordinance stated the prohibition would be in the best interest of the public health, safety and welfare.

Mayor Logan Rogers said he would vote for the ban because the state currently takes all taxes from the cannabis operations.

“There would be no incentive for us” to allow for the businesses locally, he said.

Councilman John Kessler agreed.

“There is no economic benefit at this time,” he said.

“I don’t think a business like this fits with our community whether or not we are receiving a tax benefit,” said Councilman Ryan Liddy.

Council President Kathryn Huffman agreed, saying that while there might be a financial benefit in the future, she questioned whether the cannabis operations were the type of business desired in the community.

No citizens commented on the proposal before council’s 7-0 vote.

Contact this contributing writer at nancykburr@aol.com.

About the Author