In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the upcoming public hearing on a cannabis ordinance scheduled for November 5th. The ordinance is currently available for public review online and in local offices, with an emphasis on community engagement during the hearing.

Derek Kajaba, an AmeriCorps member working with Horizon Public Health, has developed a comprehensive 60-slide presentation on cannabis, covering its various forms, impacts, and related ordinances. He plans to present this information to public health officials first, with the intention of later educating the board before the ordinance is passed.

The discussion highlighted the limited guidance available regarding cannabis regulations, particularly concerning edibles and temporary events. Officials noted that while the state law sets certain parameters, there is still ambiguity in how local ordinances can be structured. The board is considering whether to create a separate ordinance specifically for the regulation of edibles, which could include age restrictions and packaging requirements.

The meeting also touched on the potential to raise the legal sales age for cannabis products to 25, similar to recent changes made for tobacco sales. However, officials acknowledged that any changes to the legal age would need to align with state law, which currently sets the minimum age at 21.

Overall, the board aims to finalize the cannabis ordinance before the public hearing, while also contemplating future regulations regarding edibles and their sale. The discussions reflect a broader effort to balance public health concerns with the evolving landscape of cannabis legislation.