Some New Philadelphia officials are doing an about-face on the city’s marijuana dispensary ban.
Legislation introduced this week would permit marijuana cultivators, processors and retail dispensaries in the city. New Philadelphia had banned those facilities in 2024, but several Council members and city officials say they would now allow them.
Councilman Dan Lanzer chairs the public works and economic development committee, which this week forwarded the legislation to City Council. Lanzer pointed to the statewide passage of issue 2 in 2023 which legalized marijuana in Ohio.
“Continuing with a local ban goes against the clear mandate of the voters and pushes consumer dollars into neighboring communities. Right now, New Philadelphia residents who want legal cannabis are taking their money, sales tax, and economic activity to other towns. By maintaining a total prohibition, we are missing out on revenue that can be reinvested in our streets, parks, or safety forces especially during the tight budget times like we’re in now,”
Several other city officials who spoke Monday sided with Lanzer, including councilman Tom Simmelink pointed out that there is already a marijuana dispensary with a New Philadelphia address even though Ratio Cannabis on West High Avenue is technically in Goshen Township. He says there have been no problems at that location.
“My view has changed and I think that we have got enough regulations in place, we have some history now of success, and there is a financial benefit to the city that’s for sure, and I don’t think we’re in any danger.”
Councilwoman Cheryl Ramos adamantly opposed the change.
“What is the social cost to individuals, families in our community, which families are the bedrock of our community. Not necessarily what’s the benefit to us getting money. Is this the type of business we want to encourage?”
The legislation will be on Council’s agenda at the next meeting on November 23rd, but they won’t likely vote on it until December 14th.
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