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Woodland council votes to deny authorization of additional cannabis retail licenses
Summary
After a public workshop and comments, the council voted unanimously to deny authorization of any additional cannabis retail license density beyond the city's current allotment; staff had warned state law could impose defaults if local policy is not set.
The Woodland City Council considered whether to authorize additional retail cannabis license density for the city and whether to permit social‑equity licenses within city limits. Staff and the city attorney summarized Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board rules and population‑based allotments that guide license availability.
Travis Goddard explained staff placed the item on the agenda proactively because a second potential applicant had indicated interest and the council needed a policy position before applications arrived. Residents questioned why the topic was on the agenda and asked whether outside interests were pushing for additional licenses; staff said it was a preemptive policy conversation.
Council members expressed caution about expanding retail cannabis in a city of about 6,500 residents, noting state ratios equate to roughly one license per 14,000 people. Several council members favored waiting to see how the first authorized store performs and recommended not adding more stores in the near term.
Council member Friend moved to deny authorization of additional cannabis retail license density; the motion was seconded and passed with recorded ayes from council members Burke, Dowdy, Houston, Friend and Michaelson. The mayor announced the ayes had it and the action was adopted as written.
