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For several weeks, a resolution related to the approval of medical cannabis in Clark County workplaces has been a topic of discussion. 

Joseph Wheeling, a firefighter with the Clark County Health Department who has used and advocated for medical cannabis for health reasons, has largely led the effort. 

During the most recent Clark County Fiscal Court meeting, advocates were excited. 

A resolution was passed supporting the decision. 

During the process leading up to the decision, Clark County attorney William Elkins spoke. 

“It’s…true that Clark County already has a drug-free workplace policy. So…the resolution might be seen as a restatement or reaffirmation,” he said. “I don’t think it changes the legal landscape for the county or the [employees]…I think the policy already says what it says.” 

Magistrate Chris Davis mentioned that he was in favor of the resolution and pointed out the differences in utilizing medical marijuana on a prescription basis as opposed to recreationally. 

“I think it does help clear up some…misunderstandings that some people may have,” he said. “Just for clarification purposes, I think this would be helpful…the voters have spoken on it as far as being allowed in this county.“

Magistrate Steve Craycraft also spoke out in favor of the resolution. 

“I think it’s good to pass this because somebody might want to argue if they are caught with marijuana in their system that the old ordinance was done before medical marijuana became legal,” he said. “This way, we’re kind of reiterating that we’re aware of the new policy that someone can use marijuana medically…I think it would reinforce today’s standards.” 

The resolution was approved unanimously. 

Also, Clark County Coroner Neal Oliver was present to give the Coroner’s 2024 Annual Report. 

Oliver mentioned, among other things, that the coroner’s office currently utilizes three vehicles, including a 1998 Ford van and 2014 Ford Expedition. 

Future hopes include vehicular updates, particularly exchanging a van for a truck. 

“We were having trouble with the Ford van with some locking mechanisms on the door jamming where it would lock us out, or we could not get into the van,” Oliver said. “[Clark County Detention Center] Jailer Frank Doyle heard about our dilemma, and he so graciously had one he was getting ready to sell from his commissary fund that was used as a prisoner transport van, and he donated that to us.” 

He also described statistical data, listed how the coroner’s office has been active in the community, and explained a one-to-five year plan going forward. 

“It’s not a steadfast plan because it can change,” Oliver said, noting that developing a facilities plan, adding further training, and more were included. “We’re working on some ideals of…owning a [new] facility on county property…and then finding funding for that.” 

Oliver expressed interest in helping the county find funding.

Multiple magistrates expressed interest in providing further assistance. 

“We’re going to have to think about doing the coroner department a little bit better,” said Craycraft. “They’ve been at the bottom of the pole for a long time…I hope we can do something for [them] to improve.”