Estacada council refers ban on new marijuana production to voters, adopts temporary moratorium

The Estacada City Council on June 1 voted to refer an ordinance prohibiting new marijuana processing, production and wholesale uses to the city’s voters, approved first consideration of licensing terms for preexisting marijuana businesses and adopted a temporary moratorium on new land-use applications for marijuana- and hemp-related operations.

The council’s motion to place ordinance 2026-008 before the electors passed by roll-call; councilors recorded a majority vote in favor. The body also moved first consideration of ordinance 2026-009 to establish regulatory licensing terms for existing marijuana business licenses, with one language change noted to a section directing certain requests to the city manager or designee.

City staff summarized the proposed measures during a public hearing and said the packet contains background materials. Mayor Drinkwine said the council would put the policy decision before voters rather than resolve it solely through council action, and the council proceeded to adopt the temporary moratorium resolution (2026-007) to pause acceptance of applications for new business licenses and land-use permits for marijuana, cannabis, hemp processing, production or wholesaling within city limits.

The moratorium and referral together give the city time to finalize regulatory language and allow voters to decide whether new marijuana production uses should be permitted. No public speakers registered opposition or support during the brief hearing; staff noted the materials were included in the meeting packet.

Next steps: staff will return with final ordinance language and implementation details for subsequent council consideration and to support the public information process ahead of any ballot placement. The moratorium remains in effect while the city moves through those steps.