Eldred Township has begun zoning for a new medicinal trend: medical marijuana.

The township began zoning for medical marijuana once it became legal in Pennsylvania. Chairman Mary Anne Clausen said that zoning for medical marijuana is challenging considering there has to be consideration of both the dispensaries and the production. Despite Eldred Township’s numerous farmlands, the zoning has taken place elsewhere.

“The consensus seems to be that it belongs in the industrial zone,” Clausen said. “You might think it should be in the agricultural zone, but according to state regulations, it is grown indoors. Also, it’s not only the raising of it, but it’s the creating of the processes. So industrial zone seems to be appropriate.”

Clausen said the planning commission discussed it at a meeting a year ago where there was a positive reception to the idea. The process can be difficult and slow-moving, however.

“It’s very, very expensive, and there are very few permits,” she said. The cost that she estimated for all the zoning and permits would be around $2 million.

Neighboring townships have also begun zoning and planning for medicinal marijuana. The first round of permits that did not include Eldred. Now there is a second round of permits that they wish to take part in.

Clausen was surprised the reception has been so positive, considering there was pushback for consideration of a racetrack and shooting range.

“It hasn’t been that way with medical marijuana,” Clausen said. “People feel it’s not going to be environmentally irresponsible.”

The planning commission will discuss the subject more thoroughly at its next meeting.