Lynnwood holds public hearing on proposed retail cannabis rules; council to deliberate Sept. 22

City staff and the Planning Commission outlined a draft ordinance Sept. 8 that would lift Lynnwood’s ban on retail cannabis in specified commercial zones and set local buffer rules, and the City Council took public testimony before closing the hearing and scheduling ordinance consideration for Sept. 22.

The presentation by planning staff said the Planning Commission recommends permitting retail cannabis in Alderwood City Center, Planned Commercial Development, General Commercial and Highway 99 Mixed Use zones. The draft keeps a 1,000‑foot exclusion from primary and secondary schools and proposes a reduced 300‑foot buffer for a second tier of “restricted entities” (down from a previously discussed 1,000 feet), while the council previously debated allowing a 100‑foot buffer for some uses. Staff clarified that the 1,000‑foot buffer for playgrounds applies to future playgrounds that are part of an adopted capital facilities plan or a site‑specific council action; it does not prevent an existing playground from remaining if a retailer locates nearby.

Why it matters: the question before council is where licensed cannabis retailers can operate as light rail and other redevelopment reshape the city’s commercial districts. Proponents said local permitting will capture tax revenue and reduce illicit market activity; opponents urged extra limits to protect young people and neighborhoods.

Public testimony was split. Opponents cited mental‑health and youth‑safety research and neighborhood impacts:

- Eman Lohraspi, federal and state policy associate with Smart Approaches to Marijuana, told the council, “If this council were to allow retail marijuana in Lynnwood, the beneficiaries would be the massive corporations that profit from addiction and abuse,” and cited studies she said link retail access and youth use.

- Resident Ted Heichel urged the council to consider how proposed retail locations abut housing on 30th Avenue West and other residential areas, arguing the draft maps do not protect existing homes and asking the council to reconsider eligible parcels.

- Several other residents, including Galen Baton and Isabel Mata, described personal or family experiences they said showed higher‑potency, commercial cannabis presents addiction and mental‑health risks for young people.

Supporters and industry representatives urged a measured zoning approach that preserves safety while allowing local oversight:

- Josh Estes, representing two of the city’s four allocated retail title certificate holders, asked the council to “reduce restricted entity buffers back to 100 feet” (except where state law requires 1,000 feet), and recommended a 1,000‑foot retailer‑to‑retailer separation and a four‑store cap during an initial review period.

- Caitlin Ryan, executive director of the Cannabis Alliance, urged the council to lift the ban to capture local tax revenue and to move customers from the illicit market into regulated stores.

Staff and police data: staff referenced a 2019 Everett Police Department report supplied in the packet that showed no clear correlation between licensed retailers and increased calls for service compared with alcohol establishments; staff and Police Chief Langdon told council there was no policing correlation that raised immediate concern. Staff also reminded council that the ordinance before them is limited to retail cannabis zoning; it does not change other city laws such as outdoor‑use rules.

Next steps: the council closed the public hearing and directed staff to return with clarifications and any proposed amendments. Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about which parks and planned playgrounds are covered (Village Green at Northline Village and Town Square Park were specifically noted) and about how buffers would affect specific parcels. The council will consider amendments and potential adoption at its Sept. 22 meeting.

Ending: Staff said materials and packet reports already in the record will be augmented with the requested clarifications and maps ahead of the Sept. 22 consideration.