Pictured are members of the Lakewood Village Board during a meeting Monday evening.

LAKEWOOD — Marijuana will not officially be available for retail sale in dispensaries, shops or consumption locations in the village of Lakewood.

The Lakewood Village Board voted unanimously in favor of opting out after a spirited public hearing Monday evening.

Various community members attended the hearing, the second held this month, with some in favor of allowing the retail sale of marijuana in the village, while many were not in favor.

Those in favor cited the use of marijuana in medical situations, as well as the revenue it could bring the village. Others pointed out that alcohol is legal, despite the number of accidents and cases of addiction that it causes.

“How many families have been ruined by alcohol?” One community member asked.

Another community member explained the effective use of marijuana in easing pain, anxiety and other ailments.

Those against the sale of marijuana in the village offered personal experiences of the negative impact of marijuana on the community, including Richard Peterson, a former school administrator.

“I’ve seen it destroy family after family after family,” he said. “If you make this decision, you’d better be prepared because a lot of things come with it.”

Several members of the public stated the impact of approving marijuana sales would be detrimental to Lakewood.

See Tuesday’s edition for complete coverage.