Walton Residents Won’t See Any Cannabis Dispensaries Opening Up in the City Anytime Soon

Residents of Walton, Kentucky, will not see any marijuana dispensaries or other cannabis-related businesses opening in their city in the near future. During a meeting on Tuesday evening, the Walton City Council approved an ordinance that prohibits cannabis business operations within the city limits. This ban extends to cannabis testing facilities and dispensaries, effectively excluding Walton from the upcoming first phase of cannabis business openings in Kentucky, slated to begin early next year.

Following Boone County’s Lead

Walton’s decision aligns with Boone County’s earlier recommendation to prohibit medical cannabis businesses. The city’s move mirrors the actions of nearby Union, which also decided to ban cannabis business operations in a meeting last month. Meanwhile, the city of Florence has taken a different approach, opting to put the decision to a vote in the upcoming November ballot, leaving the future of cannabis businesses in the hands of its residents.

City Officials Cite Infrastructure Concerns

One of the key reasons behind Walton’s decision to prohibit cannabis operations is concern over the city’s infrastructure. City Attorney Michael Duncan explained that the City Council does not believe allowing cannabis businesses would be in the best interest of Walton’s citizens, property owners, visitors, and businesses. Duncan highlighted the potential strain on the city’s water distribution and wastewater treatment systems as a significant factor in the council’s decision.

During their previous meeting on July 9, council members discussed the city’s ongoing challenges with water and sewer capacity, noting that Walton is already struggling to keep up with its continued growth. The addition of large cannabis operations could exacerbate these issues, further stretching the city’s resources.

A Future Reconsideration Possible

While the current ordinance prohibits cannabis businesses, not all members of the Walton City Council are opposed to the idea of medical cannabis. Councilman Dan Martin noted that most of the council actually supports the use of medical cannabis. He suggested that although the decision has been made to prohibit cannabis operations for now, it could be reconsidered and potentially reversed in the future.

A Regional Trend Amid Expanding Cannabis Markets

Walton’s decision comes at a time when the cannabis industry is rapidly expanding in neighboring states. Just weeks ago, dispensaries in Ohio were granted licenses to begin selling recreational marijuana, further highlighting the regional growth of the cannabis market. Despite these trends, Walton and similar communities are opting to take a more cautious approach, prioritizing infrastructure concerns and community interests over immediate participation in the burgeoning industry.

A Conservative Stance with Future Implications

For now, Walton will not be joining the wave of cities participating in Kentucky’s emerging cannabis market. The city’s cautious stance reflects broader concerns about infrastructure and community impact, even as the council acknowledges potential support for medical cannabis. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Walton’s decision may be revisited, but for the foreseeable future, residents will need to look outside the city for access to cannabis products.