The Mitchell City Council on Wednesday night approved a pair of ordinances that map out the city’s rules regarding medical marijuana establishments. The first ordinance approved created zoning regulations for marijuana establishments, while the second created licensing regulations.
The city’s ordinance sets a maximum of five licenses for marijuana dispensaries. There is no cap on the other licenses. A $5,000 application fee has been set for each kind of license.
Medical marijuana establishments would be able to operate with a permitted use in highway business oriented districts, transportation, warehousing, and commercial districts, and with a conditional use permit in central business districts. Buffer zones, such as around schools, religious institutions, and other cannabis dispensaries, have also been established.
It was noted that the ordinances may need to be altered once the city receives further guidance on the state’s regulations.
Medical marijuana is set to become legal in South Dakota on July 1st.