Sunnyside council opens review of municipal cannabis ban; refers repeal consideration to subcommittees

City staff presented background and options about the city’s retail-cannabis prohibition (listed in the zoning code as a prohibition on retail cannabis sales and processing, recorded in transcript as SMC 1704055). Derek Bratton summarized state history (I-502) and explained the difference among production (growing), processing (making packaged products) and retail sales. "The sale and product or the sale of retail cannabis or retail marijuana is not permitted in the city of Sunnyside, nor is the processing production of, marijuana," Bratton said when explaining the current local prohibition.

The city invited David Morgan, owner of Lucky Leaf (Pasco and Spokane), and David Rand, who holds Sunnyside’s existing liquor/cannabis license, to describe retail operations. Morgan described security and compliance requirements, noting mandatory camera systems and ID verification. Rand said the Liquor and Cannabis Board (LCB) told him Sunnyside is allotted one retail license and that licenses cannot be relocated; he said Sunnyside’s one license was not movable and described prior operational history.

Council and staff discussed potential revenue and regulatory trade-offs. City Manager explained how state excise and sales-tax distributions work: a large portion of excise revenue is retained by the state, with portions allocated to health programs, research, prevention, and a 6% share distributed to cities and counties and then apportioned by formula. Bratton gave a broad estimate from comparable Lower Valley municipalities that municipal excise receipts from a nearby retail location could range from roughly $3,000 to $10,000 annually for some communities, while city manager noted much larger retail sales figures are first pooled at the state level and distributed by formula.

Public commenters included Theresa Hancock (former Liquor and Cannabis Board staff), who urged council to confirm LCB authority and licensing rules before taking legislative steps, and license-holder David Rand, who said he and Morgan have discussed community contributions and that Morgan would run the store if Sunnyside allowed retail operations. Morgan and Rand described community benefits including jobs (Morgan estimated 15–20 employees per store) and said stores contribute to the local economy. Rand and Morgan both described charitable contributions: David Morgan affirmed philanthropic support to youth and community programs and Rand said he had pledged community support in the past.

Councilors asked about crime impacts. Bratton summarized academic literature and jurisdictional examples saying studies generally do not find consistent increases in serious crime after legalization, though some analyses show small upticks in opportunistic property theft near retail outlets. The Sunnyside police chief’s prior presentation about Flock cameras and enforcement was referenced in the discussion.

Council gave direction to continue working on the issue: several councilors supported moving the issue to subcommittees (public safety and economic development) to study zoning, licensing mechanics, potential locations, odor and nuisance rules, security and community outreach. The city manager noted development-code changes require a standard process including public hearings and a 60-day review by the Washington State Department of Commerce; staff estimated 90–120 days minimum for the amendment process.

Ending: Council directed staff to assign the matter to subcommittees for further study and to return with a plan for public outreach and draft code language for future hearings; no ordinance was adopted at this meeting.