RAVENNA: CANNABIS SHOP LACKS REQUIRED PERMITS

The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws has put the cart
before the horse with its plans to open a boutique in downtown Ravenna,
Mayor Paul Jones says. Still, he said, city requirements being imposed on
NORML's Northcoast chapter are not intended to keep the boutique from opening.

"Unfortunately, he has gone and set up shop without the necessary approval
that he needs from the city," Jones said of John Hartman, NORML president.
"We're going to keep a very watchful eye on what they are proposing." But
Hartman said he believes the city is trying to stall the opening with
bureaucratic tactics.

"My gut instinct tells me that the mayor is trying to delay this as long as
possible," Hartman said. "We're just a little boutique and nonprofit
organization. Our basic agenda is to allow marijuana to be available to
people who may benefit from its use under supervision of a doctor."

In addition to providing information related to marijuana law reform, the
shop would work to increase the organization's membership base and sell
products including NORML logo items, books, incense, hemp products, 1960s
clothing, vintage rock 'n' roll art, posters, jewelry, lava lamps, tie-dye
T-shirts and wall hangings. All proceeds would go to the organization's
legal defense fund, Hartman said.

"NORML does not promote cannabis use but believes that adults who use
cannabis responsibly shouldn't face criminal or civil sanctions," Hartman
said. "The Ravenna community has nothing to fear from NORML, because we
promote personal responsibility."

Jones said the city first became aware that the organization was planning
to open a shop at 113 N. Chestnut St., next door to the Chamber of
Commerce, when the group appeared before the Design Review Commission last
month for approval of its sign. The request was denied because neon signs
are not allowed in the historic district.

NORML will not be able to open its doors until it has approval from the
Planning Commission -- which Jones chairs -- and the Design Review Commission.

It also will need an occupancy permit from the Building Department and an
inspection by the Fire Department. In addition, Jones, as safety director,
will require criminal background checks of all employees.

It is the same process followed for all retail businesses, including
door-to-door salespeople, planning to operate in the city, Jones said.

NORML wants to open in Ravenna because the person Hartman plans to hire
lives in Mantua, and Ravenna is easily accessible to people who live in
Portage County. He said the organization simply is expanding its operation.

The organization already operates a shop in Lakewood, where the chapter is
based, called The Cannabis Connection. A shop in Dayton closed after being
open for almost a year. A shop in Toledo is planned.

Because Ravenna is a more conservative community, Hartman said, the local
shop would be called The NORML Shop.

Jones, however, is not convinced that the shop will be harmless.

In fact, he sent a letter to the landlord of the building, stating "Quite
frankly, I am surprised that you would choose to rent to such a group and
allow them to set up business before all approvals are given. . . . Could
you rethink this? I really don't think it promotes the city of Ravenna in
the way that we are seeking to promote it."

The landlord, Eric Hummel of Riddle-Portage Management, could not be
reached for comment.

Jones said he will keep an open mind when Hartman brings his proposal to
the Planning Commission later this month. He said he is interested in
knowing whether any products dealing with marijuana will be sold and the
exact mission of the organization.

"I guess it remains to be seen whether there is a market in Ravenna for
what they want to do," Jones said. "But we will hear them out, and they
will be required to follow the same process that other businesses follow."