Joplin City Council mulls medical marijuana dispensary

The Joplin City Council discussed the re-zoning of land occupied by Suzanne’s Natural Foods at 3106 South Connecticut Avenue for the purpose of a medical marijuana dispensary. Suzanne Nelson, the owner of the building, first needs to be re-zoned before she can be awarded a license to sell medical marijuana from the state.

During the public hearing, multiple supporters say that Suzanne Nelson has been a vital part of the community and say she is the best choice to serve the area with medical marijuana. The store already sells CBD Oil but supporters say the fact that some people cannot be helped with CBD, it is their hope that medical marijuana will bridge the gap. Supporters also noted they believe it is the safest way to cope with certain ailments, such as cancer. Supporters also brought up that medical marijuana is the best option for veterans as well.

Suzanne spoke to the council and says she and her husband are a “very good team for this”. She states that she has been and plans to be very respectful with her residential neighbors near the store. She says she can bring dignity to the type of store they plan to operate. She says the state will let her know at the end of the year if they are allowed to sell medical marijuana or not. She says her main goal is to give people a safe place to find healing. She added that you won’t be able to go from her current store into the dispensary as it will be in a different building with a different name.

No one spoke in opposition of the bill. The council then unanimously passed the bill on a first reading basis.