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With No Discussion, Woodford Board Approves Marijuana Business Ban

Recreational marijuana businesses have been a hot-button topic for many municipalities around the state. But it appears everyone is on the same page in Woodford County. 

The county board unanimously passed a ban on cannabis sales, cultivation, and processing with no discussion as part of the consent agenda at their Tuesday meeting. 

Consent agenda items are typically non-controversial items voted on all at once. The cannabis ordinance was nestled between a special use permit for a mortuary and a measure moving the county emergency management agency under the sheriff's jurisdiction. 

At previous meetings, county board members and audience members alike were in favor of the tightest restrictions on cannabis allowed under the new legalization law that goes into effect next year. 

Possession up to 30 grams will be legal statewide. 

Individual communities within Woodford County are still free to pass their own ordinances. El Paso was the first community in the Tri-County area to opt out of marijuana businesses. Other towns like Metamora and Germantown Hills have appeared more open to the idea. 

The Germantown village board is set to vote on a zoning ordiance for cannabis dispensaries Thursday. 

Copyright 2021 WCBU. To see more, visit WCBU.

Tim Shelley is the News Director at WCBU Peoria Public Radio.