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Salem Council adopts ordinance targeting non-compliant cannabinoid products

Salem City Council · February 18, 2026
AI-Generated Content: All content on this page was generated by AI to highlight key points from the meeting. For complete details and context, we recommend watching the full video. so we can fix them.

Summary

The council unanimously adopted an ordinance to regulate non-compliant cannabinoid products, with City Attorney Walter Bird and Chief Greg Gurney describing the public-safety and land-use reasons for the measure.

Salem City Council voted 5–0 on Feb. 18 to adopt an ordinance aimed at prohibiting non-compliant cannabinoid products within city limits.

City Attorney Walter Bird briefed the council on the draft, saying the City completed research and prepared the ordinance to address land-use compatibility, public health and operational standards. Bird noted the City must designate appropriate zoning areas for medical cannabis pharmacies under state law and that the draft focuses on public-safety and compatibility concerns.

Chief Greg Gurney told the council he appreciated the City’s proactive approach and raised public safety concerns associated with cannabinoid-related businesses. Councilmember Tim De Graw referenced House Bill 253 and said the ordinance is a prudent, proactive local response that might serve as a model for other cities.

The motion to approve the ordinance was made by Councilmember De Graw, seconded by Councilmember Delys Snyder, and passed unanimously.

Next steps: the ordinance will be implemented according to the City’s standard adoption process; staff will monitor compliance and zoning designations as required by state and local law.