Bryan City Council discussed ordinances Monday that could ban or limit cannabis dispensaries and manufacturers within city limits.
Mayor Carrie Schlade explained that the two ordinances on the agenda — one to prohibit cannabis operators, cultivators and dispensaries within city limits and one to only prohibit them within the C-3 downtown zoning district — were simply for discussion purposes.
Schlade said council has a short window to regulate dispensaries if they would like something on the books before the state decides how it will proceed following the recent passage of Issue 2.
“We do anticipate about a nine-month process, we’re hearing September of 2024, before the state will be issuing any licensing for recreational marijuana,” Schalde said. “They do recommend, though, that whatever you do be put in place by Dec. 7, because what they don’t want is reactionary (legislation).”
Schalde said action will need to be taken before the next council meeting if the city wants to ensure limitations are put in place, rather than allowing the state to dictate what licenses are granted and how many.
She also pointed out that Issue 2 had nearly 50/50 support in Bryan.
“I will also say we had (almost) 50% voter turnout, which is unprecedented in