A new Homer-based pot shop sidestepped a major roadblock Monday. 420 on Main plans to open its retail shop and grow operation on Main Street. The business also plans to manufacture marijuana products. But the shop still needs one more necessary license from the state.
The Homer City Council did not object last month to 420 on Main’s application for a manufacturing license from the Marijuana Control Board.
However, council member Shelly Erickson asked the council to reconsider that decision during Monday’s meeting, though the council reaffirmed its choice.
Council member Heath Smith also wrote an ordinance that would have prohibited marijuana cultivation facilities from operating in the city’s central business district.
Smith argued that the odor from grow operations may be disruptive. But council members, including Smith, declined to consider the measure when it came up on the agenda. Smith said during a phone call Tuesday that he was originally concerned about city land adjacent to the shop.
“After talking to the landowner and the business developer, it became clear that certain elements are in place that kind of erased some of those concerns and so I was happy to pull those things and not move forward with any type of delay,” he said.
420 on Main owner Robert Bornt said he spent $500,000 on the business so far. He’s happy with the council’s decision and hopes to open his shop next year.
Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated the status of 420 on Main’s manufacturing license. The Marijuana Control Board has yet to make a decision on the license.