The Lawrence Town Council introduced an ordinance that allows marijuana businesses to operate in selected areas within the municipality.
During the June 15 meeting, the council introduced Ordinance 2400-21 that permits retail, cultivation, manufacturing, distribution and delivery of cannabis.
By introducing the ordinance, the council hopes to get ahead of the Aug. 21 deadline set for municipalities to decide whether to allow or block marijuana retail.
If municipalities fail to pass an ordinance in that time, townships will not be able to repeal or alter their ordinances. As a result, not only will marijuana businesses be allowed to operate, but officials won't have another chance to issue a ban or restriction for the next five years.
A public hearing on the ordinance is set for July 20, during the council meeting.