On August 12, 2015 the Deschutes County Board of Commissioners held a hearing to receive public input regarding House Bill 3400 and the option to opt out of any of the marijuana businesses otherwise authorized by state law in unincorporated areas. The purpose of the hearing was to receive public input so the community can share their opinions. The Board intends to provide clarity as quickly as possible to help inform public citizens and private investment decisions.
Electors of Oregon passed Ballot Measure 91 in favor of recreational marijuana in November 2014. Legislature enacted HB 3400 on June 30, 2015, including opt out provisions for marijuana businesses. Deschutes County may opt out by adopting an ordinance within 180 days of June 30, 2015.
The meeting was held to determine whether to prohibit any marijuana related businesses in unincorporated areas of Deschutes County and if so which types. The businesses being considered are medical marijuana processing sites, medical marijuana dispensaries, recreational marijuana producers (growers), recreational marijuana processors, recreational marijuana wholesalers, recreational marijuana retailers, or any combination of these entities.
If Deschutes County elects to prohibit marijuana businesses in unincorporated areas the ordinance will be referred to the voters at the November 2016 General Election. It would also result in a temporary moratorium until the November 2016 general election which stops the Oregon Liquor Control Commission and the Oregon Health Authority from issuing licenses for the prohibited marijuana businesses.
Board Chair Anthony DeBone has been actively seeking out public opinion on the matter and fully understands the fragile balance between residents wanting to protect “livability and quality of life” and business owners wanting to invest in starting “new marijuana related commercial enterprises.” That is why the Board decided to hold the hearing as a venue to hear community input.
A form was available for written comments by everyone in attendance. The Board is actively encouraging comments and has offered a variety of ways to share opinions. The main purpose of the meeting was to gather information and hear public opinions.
The hearing was open to the public and the Board heard testimony from all sides of the conversation. Cannabis business owners spoke and provided their explanation for why the county should not opt out and also provided plans and insights on their idea of how the cannabis industry should develop in Deschutes County.
Concerned home owners shared stories of their experiences, concerns, ideas and personal opinions. Several stories were shared regarding current problems the marijuana industry has caused in communities and potential future issues. Concerns were raised regarding the black market sales and impact on the county youth.
Each side of the debate offered valuable and well thought out suggestions.
A report will be posted at www.deschutes.org on August 13 with hearing information, testimony, written comments and more details from the hearing.
After everyone had their chance to speak the Board expressed gratitude for the input and said that it was informative and provided a better understanding of the issues they need to address.
The Board will make a decision on this issue at a further date that has not yet been determined. They have a meeting scheduled for 10am on Monday August 17 to begin deliberations on how to approach HB 3400 and whether to adopt an ordinance to opt out of some/all marijuana businesses. That meeting will be open to the public but the public will not be able to participate. At that meeting the Board does not expect to reach a decision but will begin formal discussion.
For those who were unable to attend the hearings video footage is available at http://www.deschutes.org/meetings.
The Board of County Commissioners welcome written comments on the issue by email at board@deschutes.org or by mail to Deschutes County, PO Box 6005, Attn: BoCC, Bend, OR 97708.
