In a recent meeting, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen in Jonesborough, Tennessee, made a decisive move to pause the development of future data mining centers in the town. This decision coincided with discussions on a new ordinance aimed at regulating THC and CBD products within the community.

The board voted to enforce a two-year moratorium on the establishment of Bitcoin and other similar data mining centers. Mayor Kelly Wolfe emphasized the importance of preemptively addressing these developments to control where, or if, such facilities would be permitted in the town. “We want to ensure we have a clear framework in place for these centers,” Wolfe explained to News Channel 11.

In parallel, the board is turning its attention to the regulation of cannabis-derived products in Jonesborough, known as Tennessee’s oldest town. The aim is to synchronize local policies with those at the state level. Mayor Wolfe drew parallels to existing alcohol regulations, saying, “Similar to alcohol, we need local ordinances for THC and hemp products, especially those used in beverages. Our goal is to align our regulations with the state’s ABC board standards.”

The cannabis-related ordinance has successfully passed its first reading; however, it must undergo a second reading for final approval. Mayor Wolfe highlighted the importance of considering existing businesses that already sell these products, stating, “We recognize the need to be attentive to the interests and requirements of local businesses, and we plan to engage them actively as we develop this ordinance.”

He said the BMA passed the cannabis ordinance on a first reading, but a second one has to pass, too.

“We do have several businesses in town already selling these products. So it is our job to make sure we’re sensitive to their interests, their needs, and involve them in the process of this ordinance being developed.

“We took one step tonight, and that was to begin the discussion by passing at first reading, we’re going to have a Planning Commission that’ll look at it as well. We’re going to have a community meeting where the business owners and the Planning Commission and our BMA will all look at it together, and then we’ll have a second reading on the ordinance, when we’re good and ready to where we think we can come back and have an informed opinion, having learned more about the issue and hopefully make the best decision we can possibly make for the people of Jonesborough.”