Metro Medical Marijuana Businesses Struggle To Find Space

Wednesday, September 19th 2018, 6:42 pm

By: Karl Torp

Those in the medical marijuana business are having a hard time finding space to sell and grow their products.

“It’s extremely difficult to find a place,” says Matthew Pelter, who plans to open a medical marijuana dispensary in Northwest Oklahoma City.

“I'd say 50 to 60 percent of places we looked were not willing to do it,” adds Pelter.

He plans to build out a space near NW 50th and Portland, and open “The Joint Cannabis Club” by November 1.

Read Related Story: Medical Marijuana Industry Could Bring OKC Read Estate Boom

Those trying to open a grow operation are having a harder time securing space.

"If you are getting a loan from a bank it’s a huge issue," says commercial attorney Justin Hiersche.

Municipalities may also pose a challenge. Some are trying to enact laws making it more difficult for those in the medical marijuana industry to find space.

On Tuesday, September 19, the City of Yukon backed off a proposal to ban medical marijuana dispensaries from being within 1,000 feet of parks and churches.

After some debate, Yukon City Council made the limit 300 feet.

However next month, Midwest City plans to clear the way for medical marijuana growers to operate in industrial and heavy commercial districts.