The Olivette City Council convened on October 28, 2024, to discuss significant community concerns regarding marijuana dispensaries. The meeting focused primarily on the implications of a ballot measure concerning the establishment of recreational dispensaries within the city.

Council members engaged in a detailed discussion about the current regulations surrounding medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries. It was clarified that while the city cannot prohibit medical dispensaries, it has the authority to regulate recreational ones. The council noted that many dispensaries began as medical facilities and later expanded to include recreational licenses once state regulations allowed.

A key point of the discussion was the upcoming vote on whether to allow recreational dispensaries in Olivette. Council members emphasized that a "yes" vote would indicate a desire to prohibit recreational dispensaries, while a "no" vote would allow for their presence in the community. The council highlighted that Olivette is not alone in this debate, referencing De Pere as another community facing similar concerns.

The conversation also touched on the existing regulations for dispensaries, including a requirement that they cannot be located within a certain distance of each other and operational hours set from 10 AM to 7 PM. The council encouraged public engagement, urging residents to discuss the issue with their neighbors to better understand community sentiment.

As the meeting concluded, there was no indication of organized opposition to the ballot measure, with council members expressing a desire for clarity and community input on the matter. The council adjourned, leaving the outcome of the vote to be determined by the residents of Olivette.