Our Voice: Local government making pot business challenging

It sure can be tough to operate a business around here.

And in no industry is it tougher than in the legal marijuana business.

Whether you’re growing it or selling it, our cities and counties don’t want your operations on their turf. The only thing that seems to be going smoothly with the state initiative approving the sale and use of marijuana by those of legal age, is the use of it.

You don’t hear much about those legally indulging in marijuana, just those trying to follow state protocol in the sale and growing of it.

We’ve got news for you: Those smoking pot are getting it from somewhere, legal or not.

Locally, our cities and counties continue to try to criminalize that which the majority of state voters made into law with the passage of I-502 in 2012, legalizing the use, sale and taxing of marijuana for those over 21.

Benton County, which had been the lone supporter of the state law locally, is now talking about its own emergency moratorium on new marijuana businesses. The county had initially listened to prosecutors who said bucking state law could bring lawsuits from those seeking to establish operations here.

But now that that threat seems to have abated, Commissioner Shon Small wants to follow the herd in banning pot businesses. And that moratorium is expected pass.

That decision is expected at any time. It will impact a business in the Finley area looking to transition from a medical marijuana outlet to a retail store for the general public as well.

A change in state law, effective next year, merges medical and recreational programs. Those with an approved medical marijuana card would not have to pay the 37 percent tax that recreational users do when they buy pot legally. But the fate of Green2Go, which applied for a recreational marijuana retail license earlier this month, is no uncertain. Even if the state approves the license, Benton County can still ban the business.

By all appearances there have been no significant problems caused by the two stores operating in the Prosser. Other than to curry political favor we see no reason for Benton County to reverse their position. The two stores already in operation might be happy to see that happen however as a ban on future stores would equate to a ban on competition for them.

In Kennewick, those growing medical marijuana must now move it indoors. The city has deemed outdoor grows – even if legal – to be a nuisance if they can be seen or smelled by neighbors.

In Pasco, one rebel shop bucked the city’s ban and opened in King City, only to be shut down by city officials in August. That store’s owner is appealing the decision and will be in court next month.

Once again we are left wondering why it’s okay in this case to buck state law. Would this be an acceptable process for banning other businesses? We think not.

Local officials should figure out once and for all how to make a home for legal businesses in the community in a way that works for the majority. Just like the law.

This story was originally published October 27, 2015 at 6:50 PM with the headline "Our Voice: Local government making pot business challenging."