By Amanda Ensinger
Staff Writer
At a recent meeting, the Franklin Township trustees debated whether to allow the distribution and sale of medical marijuana in the township.
Trustee Don Cook recommended the board pass a resolution prohibiting any business from cultivating or selling medical marijuana in the township, while trustees John Fleshman and Ralph Horn supported the cultivation and selling of marijuana in the township.
In the fall of 2016, state legislators passed House Bill 523, legalizing medical marijuana. Going into effect Sept. 8 of last year, the law allows people with certain medical conditions to use medical marijuana as a form of treatment
“I am not against allowing this in the township and don’t have an issue with it,” Fleshman said. “All of this is governed by the state and could result in more income for the township.”
Horn agreed, saying that if medical marijuana can help someone sick, he doesn’t see an issue with it.
“If I have an older friend and they are ill and medical marijuana can help them feel better, I don’t think there is anything wrong with it,” Horn said.
However, Cook was opposed to medical marijuana in the township, saying that any business in the township could start growing and selling it. However, Fleshman and Horn argued this is incorrect.
“There are only so many businesses that can participate, so we don’t need to worry about that,” said Fleshman.
Several months ago, Prairie Township put a moratorium on any medical marijuana facilities in the township.
“Because this law is so new, we are not sure how these facilities will be governed,” said Tracy Hatmaker, township administrator. “We are going to put a moratorium prohibiting these businesses in the township for one year so things can settle and we can see how this will play out.”
Cook suggested Franklin Township vote on similar legislation. However, when Cook moved forward with a motion to pass the resolution it was not seconded and died.
In other news, the trustees will allow the fire department to replace their stove from Station 193. According to the fire chief, the stove from 1980 desperately needs replaced and the pilot light keeps going out. The board approved allowing the fire department to spend up to $2,800 on a new one.
The board also approved allowing the fire department to put $50,000 down on a new medic and getting financing for $168,000. Fleshman and Horn voted in favor of this, while Cook voted against the measure.
