FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 23, 2016
MEDIA CONTACTS
Gwen Schuler, Media and Communications, gschuler@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-5152
Stacy Ellifritt, Media and Communications, stacy.ellifritt@cityoftacoma.org, (253) 591-2005
City Works to Update Marijuana Regulations to Comply With New State Laws
On Wednesday, March 2, 2016, the Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on potential marijuana code amendments, at 5 p.m. in the Tacoma Municipal Building Council Chambers (747 Market St., 1st Floor). This hearing will provide information and seek public input on potential amendments to Tacoma’s land use regulations for the production, processing, and retail and medical uses of marijuana.
The potential amendments are intended to provide regulatory guidance for City of Tacoma’s review of marijuana license applications from the Washington State Liquor Control Board. In addition, these potential amendments would reduce the minimum buffer between marijuana uses and sensitive areas such as libraries, public parks, court houses, drug rehabilitation centers and others, but would maintain the state-mandated buffers from elementary schools, secondary schools, or playgrounds.
In November 2012, Washington voters passed Initiative 502, which authorized the production, processing and retail sale of marijuana for recreational purposes. In April 2015, the state legislature enacted two new laws that seek to align the medical marijuana system with the existing recreational system. The potential amendments to Tacoma’s Land Use regulations would make the regulations consistent with these state laws and address issues raised through community discussions.
The Commission is also accepting written comment on the potential amendments through Monday, March 7. This public comment period will provide medical patients, marijuana operators and citizens with an opportunity to share their comments on these potential amendments.
For more information and to view a copy of the potential amendments, visit the Marijuana Regulations webpage at cityoftacoma.org.
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