Lakeshore Council voted to amend current zoning regulations for medical marijuana facilities on Tuesday night.
The facilities will need to set up shop in industrial areas rather than on land zoned for agricultural use.
However, there are two medical marijuana sites already under construction on sites zoned for agriculture and the debate got heated at times between some residents who attended the meeting.
Three officers were called to council chambers in Belle River to restore peace after impassioned neighbours were allowed to speak freely.
They argued regulated medical marijuana facilities should not be zoned in agricultural regions and should be confined to industrial zones.
Cen-Biotech was seeking zoning approval in order secure a federal license to operate the medical marijuana facilities but now plans may change.
Ratepayer, Bert Soullier said council’s decision is a victory for local landowners. “I think council starting to swing in our direction.”
The change will now mean those companies which are building facilities will have to apply for industrial zoning.
