Elma council at a work session June 26 discussed details of a potential ordinance change that would allow for the retail sale of marijuana within city limits.

Councilmen more receptive to the idea said they appreciate the potential for tax revenue that would go to Elma as a result of the stores.

“That’s the only reason I’m considering it,” Councilman David Blackett said.

Councilman Jim Taylor voiced his opposition to retail marijuana stores in Elma regardless of the potential for tax revenue.

“I am morally, ethically and totally opposed to this,” he said.

Mayor Sorensen proposed that no more than two licensed retail marijuana stores be allowed to operate within Elma. The council unanimously agreed with his recommendation as did Police Chief Susan Shultz. Councilmen Pat Miller and Tom Boling were absent.

Councilman Charles Butterfield recommended service times for retail marijuana stores resemble those of the liquor stores in Elma, from around 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Later in the session, Shultz said she believes that recommendation left the stores open too late.

Mayor Sorensen then asked what times she would recommend.

“Your local stores, they usually close up between 5 and 6. This is not a place for people to come and smoke their marijuana and do their socializing, this is the place where they come and buy their product and they go home,” she said.

Shultz recommended the stores only remain open until 8 p.m. and the council unanimously agreed.

The council did not come to a consensus on whether the marijuana stores would be located in residential or industrial zones.

The next Elma City Council meeting is July 17 and is open to the public.

Because it was a council workshop, no action was taken by the council.