NORMAL (HOI) – In a 6-1 vote, the Normal Town Council has adopted zoning regulations to allow for cannabis-related businesses.

Stipulations include that dispensaries cannot be included within 200 feet of a residence.

Pot-based businesses would not be allowed within 100 feet of schools, daycares or places of worship.

Approved measures would tax the sale of cannabis at 3 percent.

Councilman Stan Nord was the lone dissenter, who suggested calling a joint council meeting with Bloomington in an attempt to agree on shared zoning regulations. The idea was glanced over by the rest of the council. Other council members expressed concerns they received from constituents.

Councilman Kevin CcCarthy said he tried explaining to concerned citizens that personal use is not up for a vote.

That’s something that will be legal statewide come January 1st. “Just like alcohol you’re not going to be able to drink it in the streets of normal. You’re not going to be able to use it in the streets of Normal,” explained McCarthy.

Similarly, Councilwoman Kathleen Lorenz said she wants to be business friendly. And the last line of defense for moral issues doesn’t lie with the council, it lies within individuals. “It’s no different than any of the other, so called “Sin” type businesses. Be it video gambling. Or businesses with liquor licenses,” said Lorenz. She added, “What I don’t want to do is pick what Vice is allowed or not allowed in this community.”

City Manager Pamela Reece said there were no estimates available or projections on how much money will be raised from taxing marijuana, if a dispensary is brought to the town.