LOUISVILLE, Ky. — On Tuesday, a Metro Council committee passed the regulations for medical marijuana dispensaries in Jefferson County.
But instead of passing more regulations, the committee actually scaled them back.
The committee was considering banning dispensaries from being within 1,000 feet of a school, public park, public library or church.
However, several metro council members argued that was too restrictive.
The regulations would not leave many options and could make it more difficult for patients who can't travel very far.
During the meeting, Republican Councilman Dan Seum Jr. submitted an amended version that would stick closely to state rules.
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It would only ban dispensaries within 1,000 feet of an educational building or child care center.
"I really believe that we're behind on this, this conversation, and I believe it's archaic to think that we can't move the city forward with the marijuana industry," Democratic Councilman Phillip Baker said.
Republican Councilman Robin Engel had some reservations though.
"If this was truly medicine, the pharmacies would be jumping all over this thing," he said. "It's insane to think that the pharmacy would handle this particular product."
Councilman Andrew Owen said conversations with the committee changed his mind on the ordinance.
"I see it more like a pharmacy than anything else now, and that's not really the way I was looking at it when we first started," Owen said. "So for me, this has been somewhat of an evolution in, in thinking."
Despite Engel saying he was a "strong no vote," he flipped and the measure passed unanimously.
It now heads to the full Metro Council.
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