CaseyJones
01-16-2014, 04:57 PM
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2014/27247/bill-filed-washington-prevent-local-bans-marijuana-businesses/
On Tuesday, 10 representatives in the House – nine Democrats and one Republican – introduced a bill in Olympia that would require cities and counties to cooperate with state regulators in allowing licensed recreational marijuana gardens, processing facilities and stores within their jurisdictions.
Local governments would have to treat those enterprises the same as any other business that attempts to locate within their boundaries, and they’d be barred from having zoning or other regulations that impede the establishment of pot businesses.
Those that don’t comply could lose their share of disbursements from a state liquor-license account.
Washington voters legalized the sale of recreational marijuana to adults over 21 in 2012. Some jurisdictions, including unincorporated Pierce County, Lakewood and Wenatchee, have effective bans on pot businesses, because their local ordinances require businesses to follow state, federal and local law, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
On Tuesday, 10 representatives in the House – nine Democrats and one Republican – introduced a bill in Olympia that would require cities and counties to cooperate with state regulators in allowing licensed recreational marijuana gardens, processing facilities and stores within their jurisdictions.
Local governments would have to treat those enterprises the same as any other business that attempts to locate within their boundaries, and they’d be barred from having zoning or other regulations that impede the establishment of pot businesses.
Those that don’t comply could lose their share of disbursements from a state liquor-license account.
Washington voters legalized the sale of recreational marijuana to adults over 21 in 2012. Some jurisdictions, including unincorporated Pierce County, Lakewood and Wenatchee, have effective bans on pot businesses, because their local ordinances require businesses to follow state, federal and local law, and marijuana remains illegal under federal law.