City of Centralia talks medical marijuana

City leaders in Centralia have started early discussions about medical marijuana.

Mayor Chris Cox said they are waiting before they get into specifics like planning and zoning.

“I think we’re starting to talk about it. And I think it’s going to boil down to what kind of an industry segment business that you would be entertaining for your town or your government area,” he said.

He said people are already talking about it in the area.

“We have had some interest from a couple of people already that have put their name in to be considered for an operation of some sort,” he said.

“I know that some have found it interesting that there was potential for industry to be in Centralia, Missouri. Of all places, right?” Cox said.

He said the city has not taken any specific actions yet because it does not expect to have to put many into place with all of the state’s regulations.

“It’s highly regulated. We’re not a beta test-type state. This is in many other states now,” he said.

“It’s pretty clearly defined, pretty stringent. And these folks have to be very serious about wanting to be in one of those four segments of that business.”

Cox said he believes the industry could provide some major benefits to the community, but he understands there will always be residents who are against medical marijuana being there.

“It’s here. It’s coming, and I’m OK with that as long as it’s done correctly,” he said.

He said some of the business activities, like cultivation, could provide many jobs.

“We’re talking 50 people. That’s a lot of jobs for Centralia. That’s as many jobs as we lost when our local grocery store left, as well as a restaurant that closed up,” he said.

Cox said once applications start getting approved, the city will look at what actions it needs to take. He said he can see there being some type of facility in Centralia by 2020.