Proposed zoning changes in Mason could legalize dispensaries
Aditi Varman | The Chronicle
Proposed changes to Mason zoning laws could allow marijuana dispensaries to operate within city limits for the first time. This possibility has stirred debates among Mason residents and local officials.
Ordinance 2025-11 involves zoning code updates that determine if medical and recreational marijuana dispensaries and other marijuana business facilities will be permitted in Mason. There are two sides to the zoning debate. Supporters argue that allowing marijuana dispensaries could boost the local economy, while opponents raise concerns about public safety and Mason’s identity.
City manager Eric Hansen has played a key role in overseeing the marijuana zoning changes. Hansen confirmed the official terms of the ordinance at the most recent City Council meeting on February 10. He said the changes would enable the City Council to amend various sections of the preexisting zoning and subdivision regulations on recreational and medical marijuana.
Hansen said that Mason’s planning commission has already reviewed the proposed zoning updates, and is in favor of the changes. Their approval indicates that local planning officials see potential benefits in allowing marijuana dispensaries within city limits. The decision is now in the City Council’s hands to either authorize or deny the ordinance.
“Mason’s planning commission met to consider the zoning ordinance update, and they reviewed and recommended approval,” Hansen said. “The approval is now determined by the City Council.”
Christian Mays, chairman of the Warren County Republican party, represents 70% of the district voters in the county. Mays and other Republican leaders have been vocal about their stance, speaking out at Mason City Council meetings, emphasizing the potential risks of bringing marijuana dispensaries into Mason.
“I have spent years working with families that have suffered real damage due to the cost of drugs,” Mays said. “I’ve seen homes, families and individuals destroyed by what was introduced as a harmless diversion, just as marijuana is today.”
Mays said the potential effects of marijuana usage put the safety of Mason’s community at risk. He said he worries about the effects this zoning change will have on the influx of traffic and crime rates in Mason.
“Marijuana impairs cognitive function and reaction time,” Mays said. “Along with this, dispensaries will bring in more people out of the community, leading to traffic issues and increased DUIs [driving under the influence citations]. Increased usage of marijuana creates an unsafe Mason, since dispensaries are a high target for robberies.”
Those opposed to Ordinance 2025-11 highlight the undetailed guidelines of these zoning changes. Mays said he does not believe the public can understand what these amendments entail with how it is currently written. He said changes should be made to include more specific details before there is a proper vote on this topic.
“Now, more than ever, it is incumbent upon the local government to send the right message about the societal costs of marijuana legalization,” Mays said. “Marijuana zoning is a subject of great public interest. We are concerned about the description of 2025-11. It is oblique, and the agenda lacks specificity.”
Kelly Sakalas, chairman of the Warren County Democratic party, said that Mason voters have already shown their support for marijuana legalization and that city officials should respect their decision. She said the results of the 2023 ballot measure were evidence of this, where a majority of Ohioans voted in favor of adult-use cannabis.
“When adult-use cannabis was on the ballot in 2023, the majority of Ohioans voted in favor of it,” Sakalas said. “22 of 25 precincts in Mason voted for adult-use cannabis legalization, and in the three that didn’t, it lost by less than 20 votes total.”
Sakalas said that the city council has a responsibility to respond to the people’s will by allowing regulated marijuana sales. She said that since Mason residents largely supported legalization, their elected officials should reflect that stance when making zoning decisions.
“The Democratic Party will always be in favor of the will of the people,” Sakalas said. “Mason’s voters have the right to trust that the city council members who represent them will fulfill the will of the people and approve regulated, controlled adult-use cannabis sales.”
Nick Porter, a Mason resident living in the area impacted by the proposed zoning changes, supports the introduction of marijuana dispensaries within city limits. He views the ordinance as a positive step for the community. Porter said he agrees with the financial benefits that dispensaries could bring to Mason.
“There are plenty of valid reasons to allow these dispensaries in Mason,” Porter said. “Not only would they generate tax revenue, but they could also contribute to the county’s overall economic growth by creating jobs and attracting new businesses.”
Beyond the financial benefits, Porter also said he believes that allowing regulated dispensaries could improve public safety. Porter said these dispensaries would offer a safer alternative for residents who already use marijuana.
“People are going to use [marijuana] regardless, so having legal, licensed dispensaries ensures that they’re getting a safe, tested product instead of turning to unreliable sources,” Porter said.
Porter also said that legalizing and regulating marijuana sales would reduce the burden on local police officers, allowing them to prioritize more pressing public safety concerns.
“[Approval of the ordinance] can help law enforcement focus on more serious crimes instead of worrying about minor marijuana offenses, which could ultimately make Mason a safer place,” Porter said.
The first reading of this issue was held on February 10, and the public hearing is scheduled for March 10. At that time, Mason residents will have the chance to voice their opinions before the City Council votes on whether to implement the proposed zoning changes. The decision will determine the future of marijuana businesses within Mason.