Sean C. Morgan
The Sweet Home City Council on Aug. 25 adopted two ordinances prohibiting new medical marijuana dispensaries and marijuana retailers and processing in the city.
The ordinances follow a process outlined in House Bill 3400, which passed as the legislative session came to a close.
The ordinances function as a moratorium on new marijuana facilities until Sweet Home residents vote on it in November 2016.
The council held the third reading of the two ordinances during its regular meeting on Aug. 25, then voted 5-0 to approve them.
Present at the meeting were Marybeth Angulo, Ryan Underwood, Greg Mahler, Mayor Jim Gourley, Dave Trask. Bruce Hobbs and Jeff Goodwin were absent.
The ordinances contain an emergency clause, which makes them effective upon the mayor’s signature.
The council moved another marijuana-related ordinance proposal forward, holding the first reading.
That new ordinance proposal follows a process outlined in Senate Bill 460, also passed by the legislature at the end of the session.
Under that ordinance, the city prohibits the sale of recreational marijuana at existing medicinal marijuana dispensaries.
Without the ordinance, SB 460 would allow dispensaries, like Going Green, to sell “limited marijuana retail products” beginning in October.
Under Measure 91 passed in November, state law permits the use of recreational marijuana, effective on July 1.
It also allows the sale of recreational marijuana through licensed retailers.
The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is regulating recreational marijuana and will begin issuing licenses next year.
At this point, selling recreational marijuana remains illegal because no retailers have been licensed.
SB 460 allows a way for recreational users to begin buying marijuana before licensed retailers can begin operating next year.
Limited marijuana retail products include dried leaves and flowers, seeds and non-flowering plants.
The statute limits the sale to a quarter ounce of dried leaves or flowers and four non-flowering plants.
The statute also permits jurisdictions to ban the sale of recreational marijuana through medical marijuana dispensaries.
The council will read the ordinance again on Sept. 8 and for a third time on Sept. 22. Following the third reading, the council may adopt or deny the proposed ordinance.
The ordinance contains an emergency clause, so it will take effect immediately after council approval and the mayor’s signature.