Blaine commission recommends zoning rules to allow cannabis retail registrations in four commercial districts

The Blaine Planning Commission on Dec. 10 recommended approval of case file 24-0069, a zoning ordinance amendment to implement state cannabis registration requirements and local location standards.

Staffer Sharon summarized the state framework established after adult-use legalization in August 2023 and the role of the Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) in licensing. Sharon said state law requires cities to issue retail registrations for cannabis micro and meso businesses and that registrations must meet state licensing standards, pay registration fees and pass a preliminary compliance check. The staff proposal would allow registrations for retail cannabis and medical cannabis in four zoning districts (B2, B3, PBD and mixed use), impose distance setbacks (1,000 feet from schools; 500 feet from daycares, residential treatment facilities and park attractions), and set operating hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Sharon noted the number of registrations permitted is controlled by state statute and that Blaine’s population requires the city to allow six licenses; staff recommended approval and said the registration program will be administered through the city clerk’s office.

Commissioners asked whether cultivation or manufacturing would be allowed; staff said the current ordinance language does not permit cultivation or manufacturing in the four listed districts and that an exception to industrial allowances was added to prevent cultivation in industrial districts. Commissioner Diena moved to approve the amendment with staff recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried. The ordinance will go to City Council for first reading on Jan. 6, 2025.

The commission’s action is advisory; final registration rules and any registration applications will be processed in accordance with state law and the city’s registration process administered by the clerk.