Columbiana Council adopts emergency moratorium on adult-use cannabis operators

The Columbiana City Council on March 5 adopted an emergency ordinance imposing a temporary moratorium on the establishment of adult-use cannabis operations, including cultivation, processing and retail sales, while the state completes administrative rules following voters’ passage of Issue 2.

Counsel (S4) explained why the pause was necessary: “This time, rather than pass any type of hastily thought out or considered laws that may be prohibitions and may actually end up running a foul of the new state law, it seems more prudent to pass a moratorium,” the counsel said. The ordinance is written for up to 12 months but can be shortened if state rules are published sooner.

The moratorium was presented to give council time to review forthcoming Ohio Administrative Code rules tied to newly enacted Chapter 3780 of the Ohio Revised Code, and to avoid drafting local regulations that could be preempted or conflict with state guidance. Council members moved, seconded and approved the emergency ordinance by roll call.

The action halts any local approvals or permitting that would enable a change of use or issuance of building permits, licenses or certificates of occupancy specifically for adult-use cannabis operations while the moratorium is in effect. Counsel told the council the pause is intended to let state regulators issue more specific rules within the statutory timeframe before Columbiana adopts permanent local regulations.

Council did not set a specific end date beyond the ordinance’s 12-month maximum but said it would revisit the topic if the state issues administrative rules earlier. The council’s vote followed an explanation from legal counsel and no substantive public testimony opposing the moratorium was recorded during the meeting.