New London ― The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to include cannabis use in the city’s ordinance that bans smoking in city-owned parks and recreation areas.

The city made the move as recreational cannabis is now legal for adults 21 and older in Connecticut. The city has approved the site plan for a retail cannabis shop on Colman Street and is considering another application on Bank Street.

The ordinance, which will go into effect in a month, explains that tobacco and cannabis use in and around city facilities is contradictory with young people and adults being encouraged to engage in healthy activities and lifestyle. It adds that children’s exposure to tobacco use and smoking cannabis causes adverse health effects as the result of secondhand smoke.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco smoke. Research is ongoing about its health effects.

Police Chief Brian Wright worked with city Law Director Jeffrey Londregan and the council on the ordinance. Wright said Wednesday they worked on something that would protect the public’s rights and well-being.

People will be found to be in violation of the provision if they are smoking on, or within 25 feet of, any recreational property, except within any designated smoking areas.

The ordinance defines recreational property as “athletic facilities, parks, playgrounds, beaches, trails and other areas where people may assemble for recreational purposes.”

Anyone who violates the provision will be issued a warning and/or a $49 fine for each separate offense or violation.

State law says that municipalities “may regulate use (smoking and vaping) and consumption of cannabis on any property owned or under control of the municipality.” In addition, larger communities with a population greater than 50,000 must designate a location where people can smoke outside. The state prohibits marijuana use in state parks and beaches.

j.vazquez@theday.com