El Reno officials denied a local man's permit to open a medical marijuana dispensary because its location sits within 300 feet of a church. J.P. King, co-owner of The Green Buffalo Cannabis Company, holds a state license and insists his setup meets all security and compliance standards. The rejection highlights tensions between state legalization and local zoning restrictions in Oklahoma's evolving cannabis landscape.
Local Ordinance Clashes with State Voter Mandate
King chose El Reno for its personal significance, investing in cameras and preparations for a swift launch. City Ordinance 9161, adopted in September 2018, bars marijuana retailers from sites within 300 feet of churches or places of worship. State Question 788, approved by voters in 2018, explicitly prohibits cities from altering zoning laws to block retail marijuana establishments, setting the stage for potential conflict.
Oklahoma's Framework: Schools Yes, Churches No
The Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority enforces a 1,000-foot buffer around schools for license denials, but state rules make no mention of churches. This omission leaves room for municipalities to impose their own limits, as seen in El Reno and nearby Yukon, where a similar ordinance faces ongoing litigation. Attorney Brian Ted Jones argues that Question 788's protective language shields applicants from such local barriers, affirming voters' intent to enable access.
Business Owners Weigh Legal Challenges
King expressed devastation over the denial, emphasizing his attachment to El Reno as home. He now consults a lawyer to explore options, preferring the city rescind non-compliant rules over court battles. Such disputes underscore broader policy frictions in states balancing medical cannabis expansion with community concerns, potentially reshaping local regulations through judicial review.
