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Council bans new marijuana processing and refers prohibition to voters; allows existing businesses limited licensing
Summary
Council adopted ordinances to prohibit new marijuana processing, production and wholesale uses and to establish regulatory licenses for existing marijuana businesses; the prohibition ordinance will be placed on the ballot by resolution.
The Estacada City Council adopted two ordinances addressing marijuana businesses and voted to refer a prohibition question to the city’s voters.
A motion to adopt Ordinance 2026-008 — “prohibiting the establishment of new marijuana processing, production, and wholesaling uses within the city of Estacada” — passed after council discussion. Council then adopted Ordinance 2026-009 to establish regulatory licensing terms that allow preexisting marijuana businesses to continue operating under specified limits (for example, without expansion) so they can maintain state licenses and not be forced to immediately cease business operations.
After adopting the prohibition ordinance, staff presented ballot language and the referral procedure; the council adopted Resolution 2026-013 to refer the marijuana-prohibition question to the city’s electors. Councilors emphasized the ordinances follow the city attorney’s recommended motion language and noted the referral starts the ballot-timing process.
Why it matters: The measures stop new marijuana processing and wholesale operations from locating in Estacada while letting existing operators retain a defined regulatory path. Voters will decide the permanent prohibition once the referral reaches the ballot.
Next steps: The city will publish the ballot caption and schedule, and the prohibition ordinance will be decided by voters according to the adopted referral timeline.
