County Commissioners approve extension of marijuana moratorium

As the marijuana industry continues to expand after being legalized at the state level in 2012, the Adams County Board of Commissioners and Planning Commission continue discussions about establishing rules and regulations for the industry within the county limits.

The Commissioners held a public forum in Ritzville on Tuesday, Feb. 21, to discuss a temporary six-month extension of the current marijuana moratorium.

Commissioner John Marshall stated the current moratorium expired on Feb. 22 and the extension would allow the Planning Commission additional time to discuss the rules and regulations of marijuana processing, producing and retail in the county.

The moratorium does not impact the three existing marijuana retailers, he added.

Adams County Building and Planning Director Loren Wiltse said the Planning Commission recommended the extension to not only discuss the rules and regulations, but also to address any issues residents may have, which they will take into consideration while writing the resolution.

Planning Commission member Bob Carlson said they recommended the Board expand the verbiage in the document and establish a set back of a quarter mile from existing residential dwellings and a 300 feet from non-owned or non-similar use property lines.

Carlson added the additional set backs would assist in containing the odor at a reasonable distance from residential zones.

Marshall stated they expect the marijuana industry to be constantly changing as House Bill 1682 is currently being reviewed in legislation, which would allow operations to perfume the air in order to mask the odors.

The question on whether to classify the marijuana industry as industrial or agricultural also continues to be a discussion and could majorly impact the regulations as well, he explained.

If classified as agriculture, Marshall said it would impact the industry as a whole as the operations would then be classified as the right to farm.

Wiltse said Adams County proves to be an attractive location for the marijuana industry as he has received many inquiries about establishing businesses and operations in the area.

He expressed his concern for the fact Adams County does not currently have a provision protecting homesteads in residential agricultural zones, if it becomes labeled as agriculture.

Mark Fancher, a broker from Moses Lake, stated the reason Grant County received negativity at a public forum is because rules and regulations had not been established prior to the marijuana industry expanding to the area, allowing businesses and operations to open near residential zones.

With proper regulations and buffers, Fancher said he believes the industry could benefit the county immensely by offering employment opportunities and supporting local businesses.

Broker Doug Robbins said with many people focused on the impact of the recreational side of the industry, they are failing to realize the benefits of hemp farming.

Robbins said he believes the recreational use of marijuana will be a small component of the industry compared to the evolving production of hemp.

Many of his clients are involved in the marijuana industry and have expressed their desire to relocate to rural, agricultural based areas like Adams County. He suggested the Commissioners address hemp farming and consider adding provisions to avoid future issues.

Marshall said although he agrees hemp farming will continue to expand, the process involved is not as concerning as the recreational marijuana industry.

Fancher asked if the moratorium would continue to be in affect for the full six months if the Planning Commission approves a permanent resolution prior to the document’s expiration date.

Adams County Prosecutor Randy Flyckt emphasized the moratorium is only temporary until a permanent document is adopted.

If the Planning Commission approves a final resolution, the moratorium can be lifted prior to the scheduled expiration date, he explained.

The Commissioners motioned to adopt the resolution with the additions of the 800 foot set back from existing residential dwellings and 300 feet from non-owned or non-similar use property lines.

The Planning Commission will continue to discuss the rules and regulations for Initiative 502 and the moratorium will be lifted once a final resolution is adopted.