Council to continue marijuana discussion

After tabling the issue last month, the Whitehall Council will once again be discussing a possible medicinal marijuana dispensary in town limits. The topic will be on the agenda at their February 10 meeting.

The Council voted unanimously January 13 to table the vote on a business license for Peace of Mind Dispensary.

The proposed business would be owned by Chris Nelson and Martina Iwen and located at 401 E. Legion. The grower for the business would be David Nelson of Livingston. The business would be open Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The Town of Whitehall currently has an ordinance that does not allow for this type of business. According to town officials, the governing body could vote to vacate this ordinance and a resolution could be created in order to allow this business in town limits. Town officials are asking local residents to attend a public hearing prior to the meeting. The meeting is scheduled for February 10 at 6 p.m., one hour prior to the regular monthly meeting.

LAST MONTH'S MEETING

At the meeting last month, Nelson said while the topic is controversial, this would be a business that sells a prescription drug.

Mayor Mary Janacaro Hensleigh and Town Clerk/Treasurer Summer Fellows both discussed the process of changing an ordinance related to federal funding that was an issue when someone wanted to open a dispensary in the past and said the process will take three months.

During his presentation, Nelson said he wanted the council to know they do not want to run a dirty or shady business.

"We are already small business owners. We want people to feel comfortable. We want the community to feel comfortable. We want you to think this is a nice place to visit and shop."

Council member Pat Peterson said she's had people calling her up and telling her they do not want it and asked why the business needed to be in Whitehall.

Council member Shawn Hoagland said this has been the first issue since he has been on the council that has had people calling him on the phone or stopping him in the grocery store.