Medical marijuana could be coming to Norwalk

[toutembed=vpzmkj]NORWALK — Norwalk officials are pretty blunt about publicly discussing medical marijuana's pros and cons.During a recent city council meeting, the elected officials agreed on pursuing legislation which would allow reputable and vetted companies to cultivate the drug for medicinal purposes only within Norwalk's boundaries.At the next two council meetings, March 21 and March 28, officials scheduled public forums to solicit community feedback on this topic.Then at the session on April 4, they'll determine if Norwalk should become a possible host city for a facility where medical marijuana would grow from inside a 25,000-square-foot factory.With help from Norwalk city councilman Chris Castle, who supports the regulation and cultivation of medical marijuana, here are some key factors to consider:• Background: In 2016, the Ohio Legislature approved House Bill 523, which sets guidelines for a statewide medical marijuana program across Ohio. Gov. John Kasich also signed the bill.• Who: People who suffer from one of 20 specific health conditions — such as ALS, Alzheimer's, cancer, Parkinson's, HIV and more — can receive a prescription for medical marijuana in the form of oils, tinctures and patches. People can't smoke marijuana under the bill.• The next step: On May 6, the Ohio Department of Commerce will finalize its rules for companies interested in becoming one of 24 licensed cultivation facilities. Those 24 companies must find homes in 24 different cities.• City competition: "On May 6, a lot of towns and cities in Ohio are going to be jockeying for position to welcome this new industry sector. Some have issued moratoriums, saying they don't want it. But Norwalk would be one of the first 10 cities in Ohio to embrace this industry."Note: Representatives from several local communities — including Sandusky, Vermilion, Perkins Township, Huron Township, Oak Harbor and Port Clinton — have issued temporary bans on the substance. • Medical marijuana in the Maple City: "As these companies are applying for licenses, they are going to need a home where they know that they will be welcomed. Nobody wants to move into a neighborhood where they feel unwelcome. It's important to be at the forefront of this because new industry sectors tend to benefit communities. This is seen as a growth industry and a jobs creator."• Credible companies: "People realize this isn't going to be some fly-by-night organization or individuals who will be growing this in your backyard. These companies need $1.5 million in surety bonds, $500,000 in liquid assets and must post a $200,000 filing fee, $20,000 of which is nonrefundable before the commerce department approves them."In this Sept. 15, 2015 file photo, marijuana grows at the Ataraxia medical marijuana cultivation center in Albion, Ill. It's possible Norwalk could become one of 24 host cities for medical marijuana in Ohio, depending on a city council vote scheduled for April 4.Want to go?What: Public meetings in regards to Norwalk possibly becoming a host city for a medical marijuana cultivation facility. Where: Norwalk Municipal Court, 45 N. Linwood Ave. NorwalkWhen: The public forums are scheduled for March 21 and March 28. The vote on medical marijuana is scheduled for April 4. All meetings start at 7:30 p.m. Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOuriel.Norwalk city councilman Chris Castle speaks about the benefits for Norwalk becoming a host city for medical marijuana during a segment of Between the Lines on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. On April 4, Castle and his fellow council members will vote on whether the city supports a cultivation facility within Norwalk's boundaries.