The City of Findlay is in the process of updating its Zoning Code to allow for retail cannabis.  The following are FAQs that will be helpful to answer any questions. 

1. Why is Findlay proposing to allow retail cannabis stores?
52% of Findlay residents voted in favor of legalizing cannabis.

2. What is the process to allow for retail cannabis in Findlay?
Findlay is proposing to amend the Zoning Code to allow for retail cannabis, the process is as follows:
• City Planning Commission Review and Recommendation
  January 9, 2025 9:00 AM, City Council Chambers

  Recommendation: Approval

• Planning & Zoning Committee Review and Recommendation
  January 9, 2025 12:00 PM, City Council Chambers

  Recommendation: Approval

• City Council will have 3 readings of the proposed ordinance in 2025: February 4th, February 18th, and March 4th.

• March 4th, 2025 at 5:55PM a public hearing will be held at City Council. 

• If approved by City Council the changes will go into effect 30 days after approval.

3. Public Outreach

The City of Findlay has sent out two separate mailings to over 700 residents notifying them of the proposed ordinance. The mailings went to properties that are within 500 feet of the proposed cannabis overlay districts. 

Additionally, two legal notices were published in The Courier and several newspaper and news outlet articles were written.  

4. How many retail/medical cannabis stores would be permitted in the City of Findlay?
The proposed ordinance would allow no more than two retail cannabis stores in the City of Findlay.

5. Where will the retail cannabis store be located?
The ordinance would allow retail cannabis stores to operate in four areas of the city. Specific locations must comply with local zoning as well as be approved by the State of Ohio.

Area 1 – Tiffin Avenue (Link to Map)
Area 2 – CR99 / I-75 (Link to Map)
Area 3 – Trenton Ave (Link to Map)
Area 4 – West Main Cross / I-75 (Link to Map)

6. What will a Cannabis Dispensary look like? 

The State of Ohio places strict restrictions on cannabis dispensaries. They cannot display cannabis leaves, paraphernalia, neon signs, etc. Additionally, they are not permitted to have windows into the sales area. 

7. What are the permitted hours of operation? 

9:00AM to 9:00PM Monday thru Saturday

9:00AM to 7:00PM on Sunday

8. Are these stores subject to State of Ohio Regulations?
Yes, the State of Ohio has a licensing process for all retail cannabis stores.

9. What is the financial benefit to the City of Findlay?
A 10% excise tax is added to the sale of cannabis. The City of Findlay will receive 36% of the 10% excise tax.

10. Will there still be a medical program? 

Yes. The Medical Marijuana Control Program (MMCP) will continue to be administered by the DCC and MMCP patients and caregivers are encouraged to keep their patient or caregiver card active. 

11. Does the State inspect the cannabis sold at licensed dispensaries? 

Products that are available for purchase inside licensed dispensaries have been tested to ensure they meet the Division's standards for safety. When someone purchases an item off the street, there is not telling what could be in that product, including harmful contaminants, which makes it extremely dangerous. 

Additionally, there is a clear and present danger on store shelves across the state by way of unregulated, untested, and unsafe products containing Delta-8 THC, and which are easily obtainable by Ohio's youth. These are not the products sold at dispensaries by the Division of Cannabis Control, which are regulated, tested, and meet the Division's standards for safety. 

STATE OF OHIO FAQS: CLICK HERE 

If you have any additional questions, please contact Hancock Regional Planning Commission at 419-424-7094 or email them at hrpc@findlayohio.gov.

City Planning Commission, Planning & Zoning Committee, and City Council meetings are livestreamed on the City of Findlay YouTube channel.