This November, residents of Caldwell County will decide whether to permit or ban the sale, cultivation, and use of medical marijuana in the community.
During Thursday morning’s special called Caldwell County Fiscal Court meeting, a resolution for the medical cannabis referendum was approved by a 4-1 vote. District 3 Magistrate Brent Stallins was the lone no-vote.
Before the vote, Judge-Executive Kota Young clarified that the state’s legalization of medical cannabis will take effect on January 1, 2025. He noted that the statute grants each county the authority to decide whether operations related to medical cannabis will be permitted within their local jurisdictions. He recommended allowing county residents the right to make their own choice.
After Young’s recommendation, the magistrates expressed their views on the legalization of medical marijuana. District 2 Magistrate Jeff Boone acknowledged his personal feelings on the matter but ultimately emphasized the importance of “doing the right thing for the right reason.”
click to download audioSquire Stallins explained the reasons he would be voting against the resolution.
click to download audioDistrict 4 Magistrate Jeff Simms acknowledged the difficulty of the decision, noting that he had consulted with law enforcement, citizens in his district, and religious leaders. After considering all perspectives, he believes that citizens should be allowed to vote on the matter.
District 1 Magistrate Elbert Bennett expressed his agreement with Simms, stating that he believes this is an issue that the people should decide through a vote.
click to download audioJudge Young noted that, based on the magistrates’ comments, it is clear that there will be a spirited debate leading up to November. He added that all information received by the Fiscal Court about medical cannabis will be made available to citizens before the November General Election.
To hear the full discussion by magistrates regarding the medical marijuana referendum, click on the link below:
