This bill amends existing legislation to establish a timeline for municipal application reviews regarding cannabis businesses and mandates that municipalities notify the Cannabis Regulatory Commission when permitting or prohibiting such businesses. Specifically, municipalities that impose local licensing or endorsement requirements must create a reasonable timeline for the approval or denial of applications, which cannot exceed 90 days from the submission of a complete application. Additionally, municipalities are required to inform the commission of any ordinances enacted that permit or prohibit the operation of cannabis establishments, distributors, or delivery services, detailing the specific classes affected and any limitations on their numbers.

The bill also clarifies that municipalities have the authority to enact ordinances regulating the number and operation of cannabis establishments, but any prior ordinances addressing prohibitions on cannabis-related activities are rendered null and void unless they align with the new provisions. If a municipality fails to enact a prohibiting ordinance within 180 days of the effective date of the original legislation, cannabis establishments and distributors not prohibited will be allowed to operate in designated zones. After five years, municipalities may again consider prohibiting operations through a new ordinance, which would only apply prospectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 24:6I-45