Commissioners pass ordinance

Whitman County commissioners approved a marijuana ordinance Monday, concluding an almost two-year process with a final discussion of amendments.

Late-stage changes made to what will be new county code are a ban on outdoor growing and processing of marijuana, a maximum of two retail locations in unincorporated areas of the county and a directive that a policy be written by the planning department on odor detection and the protocol for complaints – to be reviewed by county commissioners within three months of the Dec. 28 adoption of the ordinance.

The new code sets a buffer zone of 1,000 feet be...