Decision On Doubling Retail Marijuana Stores Moves To Everett City Council

Earlier this month the Everett Planning Commission held public hearings and made their recommendation on increasing the number of retail marijuana stores in Everett, Washington from five to ten and to reduce the separation between stores to 500 feet from the current 2500 feet. Now the decision moves to the Everett City Council.

On Wednesday night (May 2nd) the council will hear a briefing and see a proposed ordinance recommended by the Everett Planning Commission and city staff.

In 2015 the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board raised the number of retail marijuana stores allowed within the Everett city limits from five to ten. This was in response to the legislature merging medical marijuana with recreational marijuana. In 2016 the Everett City Council decided to keep the number of shops at five and have a 2500 foot separation between stores with the promise to revisit the issue by June 1st of 2018.

Here is the link to the proposed ordinance that the city council will be briefed on Wednesday night.

The issue comes before the city council as a briefing and first reading. There will be a public hearing before the council makes a vote on the ordinance. That is scheduled for their meeting on Wednesday May 16th.

During the Planning Commission hearings opponents argued that the large number of marijuana stores just outside the south Everett city limits were reason enough to keep the limit to five and that allowing retail marijuana stores in Everett would discourage people from operating or expanding their businesses in Everett.

Proponents argued that those who use marijuana for medical purposes would be better served with additional stores and others argued there is no regulation on the number of places where alcohol is sold within the Everett city limits and so the market should decide.

The Everett City Council meeting begins at 6:30 PM at Everett City Hall, 3002 Wetmore.