Commissioners adopt countywide moratorium on marijuana business

 

Last updated 8/25/2016 at Noon



The process of regulating the Initiative 502 codes regarding the use of recreational and medicinal marijuana retail and processing continues as the Adams County Commissioners made their first step in trying to have set boundary restrictions at their meeting on Monday, Aug. 22.

The board adopted a resolution, placing a temporary moratorium on retailing, producing and processing of marijuana in Adams County.

The moratorium prohibits the establishment of licensed recreational and medical marijuana retail outlets, production, and processing within one mile of residential zone areas and two miles of community boundaries within Adams County for six months.

Marijuana extraction processes are prohibited in Adams County except in industrial area zones during the time of the moratorium.

County Commissioner John Marshall announced the board’s consideration in adopting the resolution at the Ritzville City Council meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 16. Marshall informed the Council of discussions he had with the city of Othello, where marijuana is banned, about the possibility of a moratorium.

He explained a group of cannabis farmers requested an application to locate their extraction business near a residential area and a school, which followed state recommendations regarding appropriate distances from these areas.

Marshall stated when the board receives an application for a new business, they generally approve the application without commenting for or against the business, which has already been approved by the Planning Committee and received a background check.

When the board received the application for an extraction production to take place in the county, he explained they had their concerns about the desired location and realized they needed additional time to discuss boundaries and regulations for the 502 codes in the county but unfortunately does not agree with the location they have chosen for their business.

During the meeting regarding the adoption of the resolution, Justin Gonzales and James Vondrachek of Popa’s Farm, a marijuana extraction plant, were in attendance.

Gonzales expressed his concerns for the boundaries considered in the resolution because of the inconvenience of employees working for the extraction plant who will be required to be in different locations to grow and process.

He stated the fact the resolution only allows for the extraction process to take place in industrial areas will cause an issue with building jobs in the community as well as prove difficult to maintain order in two separate locations.

While attending a meeting for the Town of Washtucna in regards to the 502 codes, Marshall said they discussed the idea of establishing a moratorium due to the county needing more time to set regulations.

When time came to vote for the passing of Initiative 502, Marshall stated the voters of Adams County defeated the measure by about 65 percent against.

He said he feels if majorities of the people still have feelings of opposition, the moratorium will give them an opportunity for a buffer around residential areas and communities.

He also stated the board does not wish to try and regulate what happens within the cities which is why he wanted to discuss the adoption with the Council and keep them updated on it’s progress.

Ritzville Clerk/Treasurer Kris Robbins informed Marshall the Planning Commission also wished to continue being updated due to the fact they are looking into the regulations for the 502 codes.

After the legalization of the use of recreational marijuana in November 2012, Adams County declined to adopt regulations adding to the state statues and regulations governing recreational marijuana production, processing, and retail sales resulting from the passage of Initiative 502, according to the resolution.

The County then started experiencing an increase in marijuana retail, processors and producers interested in locating their businesses in Adams County after the acceptance for new applications for retail licenses began in October 2015.

These circumstances did not provide the county with enough time to conduct and regulate the 502 codes in the community or to give public notice and hearings about the communities’ thoughts on the new businesses.

Since then, the county has been receiving some complaints on the impacts the businesses have on communities. The county realizes extensive research and analysis is necessary before they can determine the impact marijuana production, processing and retailing has on the community, as well as the level and types of regulations necessary to address these impacts.

These concerns allowed the county to realize a moratorium to limit the location of licensed recreational and medical marijuana retail sales, production and processing would be beneficial to the community in regards to public safety and health. It also gives the county time to evaluate what regulations and standards would be best for the community.

The resolution also calls for a public hearing to take place within 60 days of the adoption of the resolution to allow the people of the county to speak about their thoughts on the establishment of marijuana based businesses in the community.

The approval of the resolution deemed unanimous.

A public hearing will take place in Othello on Sept. 28 at 11 a.m. in the District Courtroom of the Public Services Building and on Sept. 26 at 11 a.m. in Room 202 of the Adams County Courthouse in Ritzville.

During these meetings, residents will have an opportunity to speak about their thoughts on the regulations and codes for Initiative 502.

 

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