Browse: Home   /   2019   /   November   /   City of Geneva Recommends 3% Cannabis Retailers Tax — Next Hearing Nov. 18
City of Geneva Recommends 3% Cannabis Retailers Tax — Next Hearing Nov. 18

City of Geneva Recommends 3% Cannabis Retailers Tax — Next Hearing Nov. 18

/ November 12, 2019 / Comments Off on City of Geneva Recommends 3% Cannabis Retailers Tax — Next Hearing Nov. 18 / Business, Communities, Consumers, Education, Government, Local Economy, Police & Fire, Public Safety, WK-Business, WK-Communities

The city of Geneva’s Committee of the Whole has recommended approval of an ordinance imposing a 3% municipal cannabis retailers’ occupation tax to be considered by the City Council at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18.

The sales tax is permitted under state statue, and shall take effect for all sales of cannabis products on or after Sept. 1, 2020, should the city permit adult-use cannabis business establishments.

  • Have questions about adult-use cannabis in Geneva? Check out the city’s FAQs to help get caught up to speed.

After being approved by the Illinois legislature, the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act was signed into law on June 25, 2019. The enactment allows for the sale, possession, and consumption of recreational cannabis for Illinois adults 21 and older beginning Jan.1, 2020.

The legislation provides local municipalities with various options as it relates to the local regulation of adult-use cannabis business establishments.

Meeting as the Committee of the Whole, the Geneva City Council conducted a policy discussion Sept. 23 that included a staff presentation regarding the impacts of the state legislation will have in the community. A video recording from that meeting is available to watch on the city’s YouTube channel.

The City Council did not take a formal action Sept. 23 on whether to allow these businesses to be able to operate in Geneva. However, the City Council did remand the process to the Planning & Zoning Commission for a public hearing.  Following the conclusion of the public hearing and deliberation, the matter will return to the City Council for a formal vote on recommendations provided by the Planning & Zoning Commission.

On Nov. 4, the Committee of the Whole recommended approval of an ordinance imposing a 3% municipal cannabis retailers’ occupation tax to be considered by the City Council at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18. The sales tax is permitted under state statue, and shall take effect for all sales of cannabis products on or after Sept. 1, 2020 should the City permit adult-use cannabis business establishments.

Geneva’s Cannabis FAQs

What regulatory powers does the city have?

The city can:

  • Ban the sale of recreational cannabis within city limits.
  • Determine how cannabis businesses are operated, especially as it relates to time, place, and manner.
  • Dictate the number of dispensaries allowed to establish within the city.
  • Dictate the location of cannabis businesses as they relate to points of interest such as schools, churches, government buildings, and liquor stores.

Can the City of Geneva ban the possession and/or consumption of cannabis?

No, the city does not have that power. The city can only ban its sale within city limits.

Is it true cannabis businesses are allowed to advertise their products to minors?

No. Advertising that makes medical or health claims, includes images of cannabis leaf of buds or includes imagery that would appeal to minors is prohibited. Advertisements are also prohibited within 1,000 feet of school grounds, playgrounds, hospitals, health care facilities, recreation centers, childcare centers; public parks, public libraries; or game arcades that admit people under the age of 21.

Who will be allowed to purchase and consume cannabis, and how much?

The purchase, possession, and consumption of cannabis is for adults age 21. Illinois residents will be able to possess up to:

  • 30 grams of flower.
  • 5 grams of concentrate.
  • 500 mg of infused products
  • Non-residents are allowed half of these amounts.

Where can cannabis be consumed?

Cannabis may only be consumed on private property, though any person, entity, or landlord may prohibit its use. It is prohibited in public places, on school grounds, in motor vehicles, in close physical proximity to people under 21, and anywhere that is prohibited by the Smoke Free Illinois Act.

What actions does the city have to take to permit the sale of cannabis?

Should the Geneva City Council move forward with allowing the establishment of adult-use cannabis businesses, the council will have to enact zoning ordinances and regulations designating the time, place, manner, and number of cannabis operations, including minimum distances between locations.

What efforts will the city take to communicate to the public about this topic?

Prior to any City Council meeting or public hearing regarding this topic, the city will share information through its social media channels, GenevaMail, and the Notify Me website notifications. All meetings will also be posted on the City Calendar and agendas will be available to view online.

SOURCE: city of Geneva news releases and website

Tags: , , , , , , , ,