Title
Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Collective Gardens and the Establishment of Marijuana-Associated Land Uses
Body
Issue:
Staff requests a temporary moratorium on permitting of marijuana uses and the establishment of marijuana-associated land uses in order to identify community impacts and review regulatory practices. The proposed Ordinance tentatively sets a public hearing date, adopts findings of fact in support of the Ordinance, and sets forth a work plan so that the Ordinance may be effective for one year.
Committee Recommendation:
N/A
City Manager’s Recommendation:
Move to approve the proposed Ordinance establishing a moratorium on medical marijuana collective gardens and marijuana-associated land uses on first and final reading, designating such as a public emergency ordinance so that it will be effective immediately.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Director, Community Planning & Development, 360.753.8314
Presenter(s):
Steve Hall, City Manager, Executive Department, 360.753.8447
Background and Analysis:
On July 22, 2011, the State of Washington amended the Medical Cannabis Act, RCW Chapter 69.51A, which authorized certain qualifying patients to “produce, grow and deliver cannabis for medical use.” This practice is referred to as a “collective garden.”
In November 2012, the state voters passed Initiative 502, which directs the Washington State Liquor Control Board to begin developing rules and regulations for producing, processing, and selling marijuana for non-medical purposes. The development process for said rules is scheduled to take until December 1, 2013.
It is not yet known how the new Washington State Liquor Control Board rules and regulations will affect collective gardens.
For the proposed Ordinance to be effective immediately, a supermajority of five votes in favor of the Ordinance is required.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Less than two years after the Medical Cannabis Act came into effect, there may be as many as eigh...
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