Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cannabis Policy topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Stevens County schedules public hearings on cannabis ordinance; commissioners debate hemp edibles and age/location restrictions
Summary
Public hearings on the county cannabis ordinance are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Nov. 5. Staff briefed the board on model language, limits under state law and possible local options for edibles, including restricting sales to 21+ locations or childproof packaging.
Stevens County staff notified the board that public hearings on the proposed cannabis ordinance are scheduled for Oct. 15 and Nov. 5 at 9:30 a.m. Staff said an ordinance draft is available online and at county offices for public review.
Staff reported they met with Horizon Public Health and that an AmeriCorps member has prepared an extensive 60-slide educational presentation on cannabis and related products. Staff proposed inviting that presenter to brief the board before final action so commissioners can make informed decisions about items such as edibles and temporary-event controls.
The county attorney reviewed the ordinance and suggested only minor corrections with no content changes. Staff and commissioners discussed the county's limited authority where state law applies, noting state law prevents local provisions that exceed state allowances for sales or temporary-event use. Commissioners asked whether the county could set higher minimum-sales ages or restrict edibles to 21+ businesses; staff said some counties have moved to restrict sales locations or packaging but that statutory limits constrain certain actions.
Staff said they will continue to gather model ordinance language, coordinate public-health education, and return with recommended language and outreach before final adoption.
