Submitted By
Board of Health Chair Christina Welter through Lisa Shelley, Deputy Village Manager/Interim Public Health Director
Reviewed By
A.M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Agenda Item Title
Title
Discussion and Motion to Accept the Board of Health’s Recommendation to Ban Unregulated THC in Oak Park and Direct Staff to Prepare the Necessary Documents
End
Overview
Overview
It is the recommendation of the Board of Health that the Village of Oak Park ban the sale of unregulated THC in the Village, often sold in the form of Delta-8. The basis of the recommendation is the potential negative health outcomes due to the unregulated nature of the product, in particular children. The Board of Health conducted research and met with various community partners to discuss this issue such as the Oak Park Township, the Oak Park Opioid Prevention Task Force, the Business Association Council (BAC) and the Community Mental Health Board. The Board of Health Chair will present this item for review.
End
Recommendation
Recommendation
Approve the Motion. Staff concurs with the recommendation of the Board of Health. If the Village Board concurs, staff will bring forward a proposed ordinance banning the sale of unregulated THC in the Village.
Background
After months of research, discussion and consideration of the negative impacts of unregulated THC and considerable community support, the Oak Park Board of Health voted on June 22, 2024 to ban the sale of unregulated THC. The BOH recommends immediate policy action toward the ban of unregulated THC. Attached is a memo from the Board of Health. The Board of Health is seeking feedback from the Village Board on this issue.
The Development Services Department did a preliminary review of the number of businesses in Oak Park who may sell Delta-8 products. Eight (8) businesses were identified. These were primarily smoke shops, plus a convenience store and a gas station.
Fiscal Impact
N/A
DEI Impact
The basis of the recommendation is the potential negative health outcomes due to the unregulated nature of the product and the exposure to children given there is no age limit to purchase these products.
Alternatives
The Village Board could delay action and seek additional information.
Previous Board Action
N/A
Citizen Advisory Commission Action
The Board of Health held various meetings on this issue since the Fall of 2023.
Anticipated Future Actions/Commitments
If the Village Board approves the recommendation of the Board of Health, staff will bring forward a proposed ordinance for consideration to ban the sale of unregulated THC.
Intergovernmental Cooperation Opportunities
The Board of Health conducted multiple meetings in the Village with various community partners prior to bringing this recommendation forward.