FRESNO (KMJ) — The production and sale of medicinal cannabis in the City of Fresno has received approval from Fresno City Council, with future adult-use businesses also on the horizon.

The 5-2 vote Thursday morning is the culmination of a year-long effort to bring marijuana businesses to Fresno. The ordinance establishes rules for the cultivation, manufacturing, sale, delivery, and transportation of cannabis.

Support for it was split between councilmembers wanting full approval of the change, and those wanting only medicinal to go ahead.

“My position is clear: willing to support the medicinal aspect of this ordinance,” said Councilmember Garry Bredefeld.

“But not having seven dispensaries the first year, another seven the following year, with the possibility that this becomes recreational in year two.

“So that’s what I’m opposed to.”

Bredefeld, along with Councilmember Steve Brandau, both voted against the ordinance.

The rules will allow seven medicinal retail outlets in the first year and seven more in the second year, with the option that the second wave be either medicinal or adult-use, subject to approval. A maximum of two will be allowed in each Council District.

Following the vote, the next step is for Mayor’s Office to create a licensing framework to establish specific regulations.

Hear the report from KMJ’s Dominic McAndrew as it aired: