CANTON − City Council repealed local licensing and fees for marijuana dispensaries to comply with state law.

The state controls issuing licenses and collecting operational fees for dispensaries, so Canton is not able to enact those policies locally.

"In the beginning, we thought we were able to do that, but according to the state of Ohio, we're not," Mayor William V. Sherer II said.

The Ohio Division of Cannabis Control charges dispensaries a $5,000 application fee, a $70,000 initial fee for a certificate of operation and a $70,000 biennial license renewal fee.

There are four cannabis dispensaries operating in Canton.

The city will still collect a portion of the 10% excise tax on marijuana sales, which goes toward the city's general fund.

Law Director Jason Reese said tax collect

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