STURGIS, S.D. – The Sturgis Council on Monday passed first reading of two separate ordinances that deal with medical marijuana.
The first is an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance that will authorize Cannabis growing operations in the Industrial Zone and testing and retail in commercial zones. The ordinance adds a required distance separating Cannabis establishments and a distance requirement separating a Cannabis business from a residence.
The second ordinance includes regulations setting the parameters for Cannabis business licenses.
There are three types of businesses that could be licensed, including dispensaries, cultivation and manufacturing and testing.
The city is recommending a total of four dispensary licenses be authorized. This was determined after significant discussion and a review of the number of establishments in other states.
Sturgis City Manager Daniel Ainslie says the proposed ordinance also establishes a process by which licenses can be applied for and the way in which licenses will be recommended to be issued by the city. In other words, should the city own and operate a dispensary or lease out the dispensary license to a private operator.
Regardless of which avenue the city takes, Ainslie says these potentials would need the state to authorize. He anticipates the Legislature to begin discussing these options at their next session.
That’s why, for now, the city is not awarding or accepting any applications for medical cannabis licenses.
