Despite objections from a vocal group at a previous council meeting, the City Council this week unanimously approved an ordinance bringing the city’s medical marijuana licensing in line with the law passed earlier this year by the state legislature.
Under the new law, medical marijuana dispensaries, which have never been technically legal in the city, have to apply for and receive a medical endorsement from the state Liquor and Cannabis Board or close their doors by next summer.
The ordinance comes following the passage of SB5052 in the legislature this year. Renton previously had a moratorium in place on medical marijuana businesses in order to give the state time to bring the medical system in line with the recreational one.
“We’re simply bringing city code up to the current law that passed in the legislative session,” said Planning Director Chip Vincent.
“Basically we’re saying this is a state problem, not the city’s problem,” City Attorney Larry Warren said. “This is a fight that’s much over our head.”
Prior to the ordinance’s first reading at the Sept. 14 City Council meeting, Warren described the new law like this:
“If you’re doing business in Renton as a medical marijuana dispensary, we have never permitted that under our code, but we will allow you the opportunity to apply by the July 1, 2016, date (set in the state law) … and if you don’t apply, you have to quit doing business, for which you’re truly not licensed as it stands now in the city.”
Mayor Denis Law reiterated that while the city has never licensed a medical marijuana dispensary, several are operating within the city and have made a “compelling argument” that they add value to the city. He also reiterated that council is not opposed to medical marijuana, but said the city’s hands were tied by state law.
“We’re unable to license medical marijuana unless it follows state guidelines, just like we can’t allow a dry cleaner to sell alcohol,” Law said last week.
Several resident spoke during the comments section of the Sept. 7 meeting, urging the council not to pass the ordinance.
We feel like our rights are being taken away,” said one woman through tears.
“I voted for you to represent me and I’m asking you to represent me now,” said another woman, who said that medical marijuana helped her reduce her daily intake of pills from 14 to two in fighting chronic migraines. “Please give us some time to fight to this initiative.”
Another commenter said he was “appalled” by the Council’s action and vowed to run for office himself next year.
“Why not make Renton the city that actually moves us forward?” he asked.
“Because we don’t violate state and federal laws,” Law retorted. “We don’t get to regulate that. You have to make a compelling case to the state legislature.”
The LCB is expected this fall to increase the number of stores allowed per city and re-open the process of licensing. It is the hope that local medical marijuana retailers will get licenses. Once they receive a state license, the city will issue a business license.
