Medicinal cannabis businesses discussed
<p class="p1">Members of a local governing body wrestled at a recent meeting with a proposal involving the possibility of bringing medicinal cannabis businesses to Union County.</p><p class="p1">The issue was on the agenda at a regular meeting of the <a href="http://www.cityofanna.org/council.php" target="_blank">Anna City Council</a>. The meeting was Nov. 18 at Anna City Hall.</p><p class="p1">One of the issues discussed at the meeting involved annexation of property into the city's corporate limits for a medicinal cannabis growing facility.</p><p class="p1">Plans also are being considered for the location of a medical cannabis dispensary in the Union County community.</p><p class="p1">One key factor related to the development of either business involves a requirement that the state issue licenses for such operations.</p><p class="p1">The proposed growing facility would be located on property along Lick Creek Road which currently is not within the city limits. Annexation of the property would allow the facility to have access to city utilities.</p><p class="p1">Mayor Jim Cross said that the possibility of bringing jobs to Anna is a key consideration in the proposal. The mayor said that the operation could create 20 jobs initially. He said that the number of jobs could grow to as many as 100.</p><p class="p1">City officials also reported the possibility that a medical cannabis dispensary could be established at a location within the city limits.</p><p class="p1">Cross said that the possible development of the growing facility is one which required quick action by the city. </p><p class="p1">Council member Al Kamp admitted to being uncomfortable with the idea of such a business coming to the community, but he also acknowledged the possibility of bringing jobs to Anna. Kamp is a retired police officer and teaches a drug and alcohol abuse prevention program at local schools.</p><p class="p1">Council member Michael Bigler noted that the matter was not one that involved whether or not the city wanted such businesses.</p><p class="p1">In the end, the consensus of the council was to move forward with the property annexation proposal.</p><p class="p2"> </p><p class="p2"> </p>