Oxford Village took its first step toward banning recreational marijuana businesses while its planning commission creates ordinance language to regulate them.

Last week, council voted 4-1 to approve the first reading of an ordinance that “prohibits all marijuana establishments” within the village’s boundaries.

Councilwoman Kate Logan cast the lone dissenting vote.

If approved, the prohibition ordinance would only be temporary as it contains a “repeal and sunset provision.”

It states, “This ordinance shall be repealed and held for naught on June 30, 2020 with no additional action (by) the Village of Oxford Council required to effectuate the repeal.”

The prohibition is designed to give the village adequate legal protection should someone apply to open such a business before council has adopted an ordinance regulating these establishments.

Michigan’s Marijuana Regulatory Agency will begin accepting applications for business licenses on Nov. 1.

The village’s planning commission is currently working on a regulatory ordinance and has devoted its second regular meeting of the month to addressing the topic. That meeting happens on the third Tuesday at 7 p.m.

A second reading of the proposed prohibition and a council vote on whether or not to adopt it is expected to happen at the village’s next regular meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 13. Meetings begin at 6:30 p.m. and take place in the council chambers at 22 W. Burdick St.