WARREN Pro-pot store will open in 1st Ward

Similar items are available at other stores, the city law director said.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- An organization that advocates a change in marijuana laws plans to open a store at Parkman Road and Drexel Avenue, and a councilwoman isn't happy about it.
The Ohio Cannabis Society operated a store on Elm Road for about two years, but closed it earlier this year when its lease ran out.
Councilwoman Virginia Bufano, D-1st, whose ward includes the new store site, said she doesn't like the store site because of two schools and three churches in the vicinity, but she acknowledged that it's legal.
"Children who walk to school will go right by there every day," she said.
Can't prevent it
Law Director Greg Hicks said there's nothing to prevent the store from moving. The use of items used solely and strictly for marijuana consumption is prohibited, but items such as rolling papers also can be used for traditional tobacco products.
"I understand that they also have literature advocating the reform of marijuana laws," Hicks said. "That's their right of freedom of speech."
He pointed out that children walking to school pass other retail establishments such as pharmacies or convenience stores with similar products as those available at the Ohio Cannabis Society store.
It's not illegal
Robert Pinti, deputy city health commissioner, said the store is permitted because there is "no illegal activity and no intent for illegal activity."
According to the organization's Web site, American society "would be much better off if cannabis was a legal commodity for adults to trade, cultivate, or use responsibly for fun or medicine."
The organization seeks to "create a watershed of public opinion" that will cause the state Legislature "to end the adult prohibition of the use, cultivation and sale of cannabis products."
John Hartman, director of Ohio Cannabis Society, said the shop is expected to open by month's end.
"We'll be doing exactly what we did on Elm Road," Hartman said.
The store will sell books, videos, magazines, tobacco products and other items. Literature also is available, and customers may register to vote.
The organization also operates a similar store, Cannabis Connections, in Lakewood. Another store in Ravenna recently closed.
Hartman said people younger than 16 aren't permitted in the store.
"We feel if you're younger than 16, you can't understand the debate," he said.
dick@vindy.com