New ordinance will restrict ages for cannabinoid products

The city of Medford is looking at a new ordinance to keep intoxicating substances of the hands of minors.

At Monday’s committee of the whole meeting, members of the Medford City Council recommended the creation of a new city ordinance to prevent people under age 21 from buying, possessing and using intoxicating cannabinoids.

The ordinance covers any amount of a hemp-derived cannabinoid including delta-8 THC, delta-10 TCH, HHC, HHC-O, THCA, THC-O, THCP, or THCV except as specifically allowed by Wisconsin law.

The proposed ordinance addresses a loophole in the current laws which does not include an age limit for when people may purchase these products. Police chief Chad Liske noted that with three vape stores in the community and the growing popularity of these devices, there is concern about underage use of these intoxicating substances.

Cannabinoids are chemicals that affect the body in various ways and are derived from both hemp and cannabis. Two well-known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The proposed ordinance is targeted at the compounds and products designed to create levels of intoxication, as opposed to those compounds that are more typically used for medicinal purposes.

Liske said that when the concern was raised about underage users, he reached out to the Department of Revenue - Alcohol and Tobacco Enforcement Unit which regulates the substances and was told that the loophole is in the federal law with it not including any age restrictions.

In the absence of federal and state rules, Liske said municipalities such as Medford are left to pass their own restrictions. Liske noted that in researching the issue, he has found that the vape stores have been self regulating prohibiting sales on their own to those over 21.

Liske noted that federal law prohibits retailers from selling tobacco products to those under 21 and suggested the stores would just find it easier to say those under 21 should not be in them. Wisconsin law allows people age 18 and older to possess and use tobacco products.

Liske noted that despite the self regulation, the city still needed to impose restrictions on underage use. He gave the example that currently there would be nothing to prevent his seven-year old from buying and giving out the intoxicating gummies to her classmates. Liske noted the school has prohibitions on vape and other products, but that an ordinance would give the city the ability to have a greater level of enforcement.

In a related action, council members supported amending the tobacco sales ordinances to state those under age 18. The existing ordinance refers to restricting sales, use and possession to “students.”

Liske noted that while most students are under 18, there are also those who are under age who may not be students.

Both ordinances will go for final action at the Aril 16 city council meeting.

In other business, council members:

 Recommended changing city codes to install a stop sign at the corner of Conrad Dr. and South Park Ave. With the construction of a new duplex on the corner, there is less visibility there and concern about crashes. Council member Christine Weix said she has seen near misses there.

 Recommended approving the permit for the class of 2024 to contract with Big Daddy’s Fireworks to have a fireworks display following the graduation ceremony on May 24. City approval is required for all fireworks permit requests.

 Recommended applying for a community development block grant for wastewater treatment plant upgrades. In addition, the city said that if the federal grant funds were awarded, the city would commit to its local match of the grant funds.

 Received an update from city coordinator Joe Harris that fiber optic cable is being run to the city pool and band shell with the goal of having public wifi in the park and at the pool this summer.

 Received an update that the water main project on Whelen Dr. is completed and that work on relining the sewer along Hwy 13 will start on Monday night. The work will be done in the overnight hours to reduce traffic impacts. Harris said the schedule has work being done on the nights of April 15, 16, and 17.

 Received an update from last week’s election. Overall voting was down 264 votes in the city compared to last spring with 699 people voting in the election. This figures out to be about 20% of eligible voters. City clerk Ashley Lemke reported that of actual registered voters the turnout was 32%. There had been 162 absentee ballots issued, with 146 of them returned and that about 30% of those voting used the electronic Express Vote equipment versus the remainder who used paper ballots. She said the feedback was positive on the Badger Books electronic poll books and said they will continue to tweak the process to reduce wait times for voters.

 In the special council meeting following the committee of the whole meeting, council members approved a change to the Pep’s Drive subdivision to allow people to purchase up to two adjoining lots. Harris said that in laying out the subdivision, they made the parcels based on the minimum lot sizes in the city, which are less marketable than larger lots would be. The combined lots would measure about a half acre which would allow for the construction of larger homes and garages on the parcels. Those who have pending sales or who have purchased a lot will be given the opportunity to purchase the adjoining lot if they wish.

 Another change to the layout is the addition of retaining ponds, Harris said they would be needed to address stormwater runoff in the area.