Voters in Hubbard cast their ballots in favor of recreational marijuana this week.
It comes after a city council measure blocked recreational marijuana sales in Hubbard in 2023 despite the legalization of recreational use in Ohio.

The latest vote is a victory for the city's only dispensary, A Cut Above, which was faced with potential closure after the city council's ban limited sales to adult medical use only.

"Next thing you know, it was two thirds vote in our favor and we were just ecstatic to see the support that the city came out and brought to us," ACA dispensary general manager Dustin Crites recalled.

ACA dispensary will be looking to hire around 20 new employees and hopes to be ready for their first recreational sales before the end of the year.
Before they do so, the dispensary must submit the certified election results to the city for their approval.

Council members reacted to the voters' decision this week. Some who were previous advocates of the ban on recreational sales said they respected the election's result.

Second ward councilwoman Robin Zambrini sent a statement to 21 News, writing, "The voters of Hubbard City have decided the outcome of this issue, which was the intent all along - let the voters decide, and they did."

Bonnie Viele, first ward councilwoman, wrote, "On the recreational marijuana issue, it was decided to let the citizens of Hubbard decide instead of the seven council members making the decision. The people spoke and I accept their wishes."

Third ward councilman Michael Mogg provided a statement listing out the opportunities he sees for the city and its residents:
"There is 3 reasons I'm glad the recreational cannabis ballot passed here in Hubbard.
1. Revenue
Cities as large as Youngstown and as small as Hubbard struggle every year to figure out a workable budget. Extra revenue could help alleviate part of that problem.
2. Jobs
The dispensary is looking to hire upwards of 20 people in the next couple weeks. This will not only provide income to family households, but also generate taxes for the city.
3. Availability
I was working a fund raiser for the Rotary club last night when a young lady approached me and thanked me for my help on getting the ballot passed. She stated that she has MS and did not want to travel out of town to get her supplies."

Mayor Ben Kyle seconded Mogg's reasoning, adding, "They invested here in Hubbard and now that their medical sales are going to transition into both the dual use sales, I think it just shows that they are going to be a good partner and a good neighbor to our community."