Pot Sales in St. Charles: Next Public Hearing Set for Oct. 8

ST. CHARLES, IL — A public hearing regarding the sale of recreational marijuana in St. Charles will resume on Oct. 8, city officials said. The planning and zoning commission meeting is expected to get started at 7 p.m. in the city council chambers, 2 E. Main Street in St. Charles.

The plan commission held an initial meeting on Sept. 17 and received several comments from the public regarding their thoughts on the sale of pot in town once it becomes legal to sell for recreational purposes on Jan. 1. On Aug. 19, aldermen with the city's government operations committee voted 6-3 to direct city staff to begin the process of amending the city's zoning ordnance to allow two recreational sales facilities in town: one on the city's east side and one on the city's west side, according to a news release from the city of St. Charles.

The plan commission still needs to make its recommendation on the matter and the city council will have the final say on whether St. Charles will sell marijuana for recreational use in town, according to city officials.

While all people over the age of 21 years old will be able to possess and consume marijuana privately starting on Jan. 1, municipalities can choose whether to allow retail cannabis stores in their communities.

City officials can also determine, if allowed, how many stores can sell marijuana and where those stores will be located, according to city officials.

MORE ON PATCH

• Vote Favors Starting Zoning Process For St. Charles Pot Retailers