Henderson blocks applications for medical marijuana businesses
The Henderson City Council unanimously adopted an ordinance Tuesday declaring a six-month moratorium on applications for construction or operation of medical marijuana businesses.
At its last meeting, on Dec. 17, the council adopted a resolution directing city staff not to accept land use, business license or building permit applications for medical marijuana establishments.
The refusal to accept applications comes despite the Nevada Legislature’s approval of Senate Bill 374, signed into law by Gov. Brian Sandoval in June, which authorizes up to 40 dispensaries in Clark County.
The bill came more than a decade after the state’s voters approved legalization of medical marijuana and a 2001 law that stipulated patients had to grow the drug themselves.
Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, but law enforcement has backed off cracking down on people using it for medical reasons.
Other states have loosened marijuana restrictions in recent years.
According to information provided with Tuesday’s agenda item, the moratorium “will allow the city to consider the policy and legal implications of” permitting medical marijuana establishments to operate within city boundaries.
The Las Vegas City Council approved a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana businesses in September.
Las Vegas officials said the delay was needed to have time to create rules for marijuana businesses. The state is required to devise regulations by April.
In other business, Henderson officials received no bids by Tuesday’s deadline for nearly 32 acres at the northwest corner of Mission and College drives.
A city spokesman said two developers had expressed an interest in buying the property, one for a commercial project and one for a residential project.
At its Nov. 5 meeting, the council adopted a resolution expressing the city’s intent to sell the land for a minimum bid of $9.49 million.
Contact reporter Carri Geer Thevenot at cgeer@reviewjournal.com or 702-384-8710.
