Petition to ban marijuana carries 400 signatures

With the current moratorium in place, giving more time for the Whitman County Planning Commission to consider potential zoning regulations, it doesn’t mean time is stopped for others to come and discuss with the county commissioners how they feel about allowing new marijuana businesses in the county.

Last Monday, Sept. 9, a group called Citizens for a Healthy Palouse, came before the commissioners with a petition to completely ban any new marijuana businesses in Whitman County.

This petition had more than 400 signatures.

The four main reasons to permanently ban any new marijuana business were the smell the plants put off, the current size of the industry, concerns about water quality and drug use in general.

One big question that was raised Sept. 9 was how to measure smell and classify it as a nuisance.

Commissioner Michael Largent asked how this is different than anything else in land regulations. He followed up with asking how this is different than any other crop.

Alan Thomson, Whitman County planner, said there is a marijuana ordinance draft on the planning division webpage.

The draft lists possible zoning districts where indoor and outdoor marijuana processing and production would be permitted. Along with with these locations the ordinance draft has possible districts for marijuana retail outlets.

Thomson said that the Planning Commission would like feedback on the ordinance draft and would like all to read it.

The commissioners took no action on the petition, they are still waiting to receive recommendations from the planning commission.

County Commissioners Sept. 3 extended a temporary moratorium on new marijuana business for an additional six months.