Planning Commission approves code revisions to allow zoning for medical marijuana dispensaries

The Ponca City Planning Commission on Tuesday approved revisions to city ordinances to define areas where medical marijuana can be sold, if State Question 788 is approved by voters in June 26.

The revisions include the required distances for dispensiaries from schools and defines the zoning districts where they would be allowed. The changes go before the Board of Commissioners on Monday for final consideration and action.

Development Services Director Chris Henderson said that if the State Question is approved, it would go into effect in 30 days and communities would have to have policies in place in regards to where dispensaries could be located.

Ponca City would have no locations that could be zoned for cultivation, processing or packaging within city limits.

Dispensaries could only be located in C-2 Commercial zones and could not be located within 1,000 feet of public or private schools. The yellow circular areas on the map show that 1,000 foot limit, while the green areas show C-2 Commercial zoning districts.

The revisions were passed on a vote of 4 to 1, with Planning Commission Chairman Keith Lawrence voting no.