Danielle Baldwin shows off strains of medical marijuana at a smoke shop in Ashland, Oregon. AP Photo/Jeff Barnard
434 names were turned into the Petersburg borough Friday. The signatures have been checked over and certified. Petitioners only needed 104 signatures to get the issue before voters.
The question would ask voters if marijuana sales and grow businesses should be illegal in the Petersburg borough. If voters vote “Yes” it would prohibit marijuana sales, any marijuana product, and the operation of any marijuana establishment for growing, selling or testing.
If voters vote “No” then things would remain as they are. The borough would continue to create local laws on how future marijuana businesses would be run.
Currently there are two businesses seeking a marijuana license from the state. One wants to cultivate marijuana near Papkes Landing, about 10 miles south of town. The other looks to sell marijuana from the back of a downtown restaurant.
The petition misses the April deadline to get the question in the regular municipal election in October. So, that leaves two options. The borough assembly could decide to add the question to the regular election ballot. Or, there will be a special election. According to the borough clerk’s office, a special election costs between $6-$10,000.
Last year’s municipal election saw a total voter turnout of 416.
The Petersburg count in the State election that legalized marijuana was 614 “Yes” votes and 438 “No”. 58 percent of local voters supported it.
