Title
Proposed Permanent Retail Cannabis Regulations Ordinance
Recommended Action
Commission Recommendation:
Adopt Proposed Permanent Retail Cannabis Regulations.
Staff Recommendation:
Adopt Proposed Permanent Retail Cannabis Ordinance on First and Final Reading
Report
Issue:
On October 22, 2013, Council approved interim regulations regarding the retail production, processing, and sales of I-502 recreational marijuana. The interim regulations were referred to the Olympia Planning Commission for public hearing and review. Should the interim regulations be adopted as permanent regulations?
Staff Contact:
Chris Grabowski, Code Enforcement Officer, CP&D, 360.753.8168
Presenter(s):
Chris Grabowski, Code Enforcement Officer
Darren Nienaber, Interim City Attorney
Background and Analysis:
In response to voter approved Initiative 502, the Washington State Liquor Control Board adopted regulations for the licensing of recreational marijuana production, processing and retail. The Liquor Control Board has begun processing applications for production, processing and retail establishments. However, the Liquor Control Board does not have control over or enforce local zoning regulations. Accordingly, the Olympia City Council considered the appropriate location of such uses, as well as appropriate conditions of approval, within the City of Olympia.
At its May 7, 2013 meeting, the City Council adopted a moratorium on all new cannabis related land uses, and directed staff to conduct research and develop interim zoning regulations. Subsequently, the United States Department of Justice issued a memorandum indicating that those jurisdictions which allow the use of recreational cannabis do so with the "expectation that states and local governments...will implement strong and effective regulatory and enforcement systems that will address the threat those state laws could pose to public safety, public health, and other law enforcement interests."
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