The Deschutes County Board of County Commissioners voted unanimously Monday to temporarily ban marijuana business in unincorporated Deschutes County. The temporary ban on marijuana business will not impact existing, legal, medical marijuana production or marijuana businesses within city limits.
Commissioners expressed a desire to have more time to evaluate the impact of proposed regulations for businesses that grow, process and sell marijuana.
In January, Commissioners will discuss the formation of a committee of citizen volunteers. Additional information about the committee is forthcoming.
Commissioners have requested a check-in with staff and the committee in 90 days. At that time, they will determine next steps in the process.
The growing of medical marijuana has been legal in Oregon since voters passed the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act in 1998. In November 2014, Oregon voters approved Measure 91, which legalized the possession and use of marijuana for adult (21+) recreational use.
State law gives the County the authority to adopt reasonable regulations for marijuana-related businesses in unincorporated Deschutes County. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) starts accepting applications for marijuana-related business licenses in Janueary 2016. However, due to the temporary ban, no licenses will be issued in rural Deschutes County.
Whitney Malkin | Public Information Officer
Deschutes County Administration
1300 NW Wall St. Suite 200 | Bend, Oregon 97703
Tel: (541) 330-4640 | Fax: (541) 385-3202
