For producers, there is no cap on how many plants can be grown in any single location. Nor are there any rules regarding controlling odors that may emit from marijuana growing operations. The planning commission is expected to propose zoning laws to regulate the growing side of the process.
The second issue facing the city is the processing of marijuana into various usable forms. While most people are aware of smoking marijuana it can also be ingested by eating it in various foods, inhaling it as a vapor, drinking it as a beverage, taken in capsule form or even using it as a suppository. The city of Everett will have to decide how far producers will have to be from processors and if it will allow combination production-processing facilities.
The third issue facing Everett planners and lawmakers is where to allow retail sales of marijuana. Under the proposed guidelines a producer or processor cannot have a financial interest in an entity licensed as a retailer. The city’s planning department has spoken about recommending a limited approach with two or three places within the city where retail marijuana sales would be allowed. The number of retail locations could be expanded once the city sees how the retail operations work. One problem however, is the city of Everett has no idea how many people will want to sell marijuana in Everett nor do they have any idea how many licenses the Washington State Liquor Control Board will issue.
The next meeting of the Everett Planning Commission is set for August 6th. It is open to the public. At that meeting commissioners are expected to have recommendations that they can put forth to the Everett City Council so that Everett has some laws on the books when the State begins accepting applications to grow, process and sell recreational marijuana beginning September 14th. The State plans to issue those licenses beginning December 1st.
July 27, 2013
Everett, Everett Economy, Everett Government