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As applications to grow and sell marijuana continue to roll in, Cowlitz County commissioners this week enacted a 60-day moratorium on marijuana production, processing and retail sales in unincorporated areas of the county. Commissioners said Tuesday the moratorium will freeze marijuana production and sales in unincorporated areas until regulations are in place. The county plans to convene a "work group" that will work with the planning commission and board of commissioners to forge the new regulations. Commissioners plan to hold a public hearing on the subject in the months to come. No date for that hearing has yet been announced.
The temporary pot moratorium did not appear on the commissioner's written agenda Tuesday and was not announced ahead of time to the public. Commissioners acknowledged Tuesday that the unannounced vote is a departure from standard procedure, but Douglas Jensen, the county's civil attorney, called the moratorium a "common planning tool." Commissioner Dennis Weber said that the county is just beginning "the process of engaging the community. ... This, rather than being a secret decision, a last-minute decision, really begins the clock on open public discussion."
The cities of Longview, Kelso and Woodland adopted similar moratoriums as they grapple with how to regulate the marijuana industry since voters legalized the drug in 2012. Castle Rock and Kalama are the only two cities in the county to adopt rules about the location and operation of the businesses. Businesses have until Friday to apply to the Washington Liquor Control Board for licenses to produce, package and sell pot. The first licensed and tax marijuana operations are expected to open in the spring. As of Dec. 17, 19 businesses had applied to grow pot in Cowlitz County and Vader, and most of them have also applied for licenses to process and package it, according to data provided by the liquor control board. Six businesses have applied to open retail cannabis stores. Cowlitz County has been approved for no more than seven retail stores.
Still, Cowlitz County commissioners and other local officials say questions abound about where the businesses should be allowed and whether local jurisdictions can place regulations on the pot operations in addition to those the state will adopt. Answers to those questions are expected to come from the state Attorney General's Office, although it's unclear when. As of Dec. 17, following are the latest Cowlitz County businesses seeking a marijuana license. The liquor control board has not disclosed the names of the people behind the applications, only the names of their businesses. The applicants are subject to background checks and there is no guarantee that all applicants will receive licenses.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Tdn.com
Author: Tony Lystra
Contact: Contact Us
Website: Cowlitz County sets 60-day moratorium on retail marijuana
The temporary pot moratorium did not appear on the commissioner's written agenda Tuesday and was not announced ahead of time to the public. Commissioners acknowledged Tuesday that the unannounced vote is a departure from standard procedure, but Douglas Jensen, the county's civil attorney, called the moratorium a "common planning tool." Commissioner Dennis Weber said that the county is just beginning "the process of engaging the community. ... This, rather than being a secret decision, a last-minute decision, really begins the clock on open public discussion."
The cities of Longview, Kelso and Woodland adopted similar moratoriums as they grapple with how to regulate the marijuana industry since voters legalized the drug in 2012. Castle Rock and Kalama are the only two cities in the county to adopt rules about the location and operation of the businesses. Businesses have until Friday to apply to the Washington Liquor Control Board for licenses to produce, package and sell pot. The first licensed and tax marijuana operations are expected to open in the spring. As of Dec. 17, 19 businesses had applied to grow pot in Cowlitz County and Vader, and most of them have also applied for licenses to process and package it, according to data provided by the liquor control board. Six businesses have applied to open retail cannabis stores. Cowlitz County has been approved for no more than seven retail stores.
Still, Cowlitz County commissioners and other local officials say questions abound about where the businesses should be allowed and whether local jurisdictions can place regulations on the pot operations in addition to those the state will adopt. Answers to those questions are expected to come from the state Attorney General's Office, although it's unclear when. As of Dec. 17, following are the latest Cowlitz County businesses seeking a marijuana license. The liquor control board has not disclosed the names of the people behind the applications, only the names of their businesses. The applicants are subject to background checks and there is no guarantee that all applicants will receive licenses.
News Moderator - The General @ 420 MAGAZINE ®
Source: Tdn.com
Author: Tony Lystra
Contact: Contact Us
Website: Cowlitz County sets 60-day moratorium on retail marijuana
