Medical marijuana returns to agenda

GALESBURG — The City Council will vote Monday on allowing zoning for medical marijuana cultivation and dispensing centers.

For now it appears the council has the votes to pass the proposal, with only Aldermen Ken Goad, Ward 1; and Wayne Dennis, Ward 2, publicly speaking out against the plan.

Dennis has said he’s not concerned about security within the facilities, and instead is uncomfortable with what people may do after customers receive the drug.

“I truly believe it could help people, but I just worry about the people that don’t need it that get it,” Dennis said. “What are they going to do with it? Are they going to party with it? Are they going to sell it? Forget the distribution centers, it’s the people that get it. Are they going to take advantage of it?”

Goad had stressed similar disdain for the idea. For him, it doesn’t matter how tight the security is around the centers. He’s afraid the drug will fall into the wrong hands, even if it is purchased legally.

Alderman Jeremy Karlin, Ward 7, has spoken out several times in favor of passing this proposal. He urges his fellow aldermen to pass the measure because for him, the economic boon of attracting one of these centers is too good to pass up.

The City Council will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the City Hall chambers to vote to approve or deny the plan.

Marty Hobe: (309) 343-7181, ext. 214; mhobe@register-mail.com; @mhobe55

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Medical marijuana returns to agenda