WASILLA -- Houston, the only city in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough that hasn't opted out of commercial marijuana sales, is finalizing new regulations for cannabis businesses.
More than 70 people attended a Houston City Council meeting Thursday night, most to participate in a discussion on marijuana regulations, according to City Clerk Sonya Dukes.
The Council ultimately scheduled another hearing for 6 p.m. March 24 at the fire station after council members introduced amendments that changed the original ordinance establishing the cannabis business laws. Cynthia Franklin, who heads the state Alcohol and Marijuana Control Office, is expected to attend.
Houston's proposed marijuana regulations would prohibit social clubs and on-site consumption at retail establishments, though one amendment Thursday night addressed the on-site prohibition. The proposed regulations would also allow for cultivation in three types of residentially zoned districts, testing facilities in two, and prohibit retail establishments in light and heavy industrial districts. They would establish a minimum 100-foot setback for retail establishments from residential lot lines.
Houston is already signaling its relative openness to the marijuana industry. The city website includes a link specifically for marijuana business information in the city.
The cities of Palmer and Wasilla separately opted not to allow legal commercial marijuana operations, Palmer by a voter's initiative and Wasilla by a city council decision. Voters around the borough will see a question on the October ballot asking if they want a ban on marijuana businesses throughout the borough including unincorporated communities from Butte and Sutton to Willow and Talkeetna.