Granite Falls to debate pot-clinic rules

GRANITE FALLS — The Granite Falls City Council is set to listen to residents speak about proposed restrictions on medical marijuana dispensaries at a meeting tonight.

The five member council is scheduled to consider an ordinance that places a six-month moratorium on the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city. The public hearing is planned for 8 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall, 206 S. Granite Ave.

There are no medical marijuana dispensaries in Granite Falls but they have popped up in neighboring cities, according to city clerk Darla Reese.

0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%

00:00

“There hasn’t been an issue yet (in the city),” Reese said. “It has been an issue for surrounding cities and the chief has decided to take precautions and draft the ordinance.”

Granite Falls Police Chief Dennis Taylor drafted the proposed ordinance. It defines a medical marijuana dispensary as any person, group or business that sells or otherwise dispenses marijuana to more than one qualifying patient in any 30-day period; and possesses more than one 60-day supply for one qualifying patient at any time.

Medical marijuana was legalized in the state by a voter initiative in 1998. According to the state Department of Health, a person with a written doctor recommendation for marijuana use may grow it. If the patient is physically unable to grow the marijuana themselves they can designate a single provider to grow it for them. It is illegal to buy or sell the drug, or to possess it, except for prescribed medical use.

Mayor Haroon Saleem said he was asked about the process of establishing a medical marijuana dispensary in Granite Falls about seven months ago. He isn’t aware of any applications to the city for such a dispensary.

“I know a while back there was some informal comment or a discussion about marijuana and I believe I said something about people calling me to ask how to open up a medical marijuana dispensary,” Saleem said. “I think it will be interesting to hear what members of the community have to say about this.”

Amy Daybert: 425-339-3491; adaybert@heraldnet.com.