Cannabis regs move forward in Troy

Troy officials are drafting local regulations to allow at least one recreational cannabis shop in town.

During a Wednesday work session last week, council members reviewed a drafted ordinance laying out regulations within city limits for Montana’s new adult-use retail marijuana industry.

The city will be looking into a local sales tax option on marijuana sales.

Proposed stipulations in the ordinance so far include limiting cannabis retailers to one shop per every 2,000 residents.

Troy is home currently to less than 1,000, according to current U.S. Census data, which means the proposed quota currently would allow one cannabis shop in town.

A competitor would not be allowed until the the city eclipses 2,000 residents.

As currently proposed, the city also would require a 500-foot buffer between a marijuana retailer, and area schools and churches.

That lead some during the work session to question where exactly a shop could legally operate.

Citing stench concerns, city councilors have also proposed prohibiting commercial growing and processing facilities within city limits.

City Clerk and Treasurer Tracy Rebo said during the meeting that she needed clarification on whether a public hearing was needed on the matter.

If not, the proposed ordinance could be set for its first of two required readings as early as Wednesday during the council's regular meeting.