Inform, Entertain, Inspire
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Niles City Council Discusses Recreational Marijuana Use

Annacaroline Caruso

At its meeting Monday night the Niles City Council discussed whether or not to create designated spaces around the City for people to legally smoke marijuana. 

The Council did not officially vote on allowing marijuana businesses in Niles because they’re still working out some details - like where people could legally smoke.

Designated consumption centers are areas where people can legally use cannabis.

Council member Daniel VandenHeede is worried citizens will come from across the stateline, where marijuana is still illegal, smoke at their centers, and then drive back home under the influence.

“These consumption centers are really experimental," VandenHeede said. "No other state has done that legally. Let somebody else be the guinea pig.”

But other members said designated consumption centers would bring business to the City. They also said the centers would be a place for people who can’t legally use marijuana in their home.

The majority of members said they would be in favor of starting with three designated consumption centers in Niles.

The City needs to decide whether they will opt-in or out of marijuana businesses by November 1st. 
Contact Annacaroline at acaruso@wvpe.org or follow her on Twitter at @AnnacarolineC16

If you appreciate this kind of journalism on your local NPR station, please support it by donating at:  https://wvpe.thankyou4caring.org/