Marijuana code moves closer

The Whitman County Planning Commission’s work on a proposed new code for marijuana is nearing a home stretch, with a proposed ordinance under SEPA review (State Environmental Policy Act) in Olympia with a public comment period to begin Feb. 27, running through March 12.

The ordinance will also be the subject of a planning commission public hearing March 18 in Colfax.

New rules in the proposal include a conditional use permit required – approved by county commissioners – for any new marijuana-related business.

At present, growing marijuana in the county is considered an agricultural use, needin...