Jason Kitzman,, who won a state lottery for a retail store in Anacortes, responded to concerned expressed by Council members about the potency of edible products infused with marijuana.
Council member Eric Johnson said he had read reports of serious problems in Colorado connected with edible marijuana. “I wonder how vigorously the state will regulate edible products.” Council member Matt Miller said he shared Johnson’s concern, saying he lacks understanding about edibles.
Kitzman said, “There are very strict regulations on what you can buy, what you can’t buy. The higher potency extracts are very highly regulated.” He said he understands Council member concerns.
Will Riegel told the Council that he is ready to start a grow and cloning business, but, “We are unable to get started. We hare holding space in the city, but not able to use it yet.” He said, “How can we come together as a group and a community and decide not to throw the baby out with the bath water.”
Responding to comments that the state will use some tax money collected from marijuana businesses to education the public, said “We’ve all seen funds that are supposed to go somewhere and it doesn’t happen.” He added, “The horse is about out of the barn,” and urged Council members to learn more.
Council member Ryan Walters said the city’s proposed ordinance to open up the city for retail marijuana businesses is simple and ready to go. He said, “We have two choices - to zone or prohibit. I’ll be okay with either of the two.” He urged action on the ordinance.
Council member Liz Lovelett agreed, saying, “This has been going on too long.”
The ordinance the Council is considering would allow retail, production and processing businesses in the city’s Light Manufacturing 1 zone, on March Point and retail in the downtown commercial core. But, Don Measamer, interim director of City Planning, pointed out that under state law, there is only a small area of the city’s commercial zone where a retail store could be located. He said it is on Commercial Ave., roughly between 14th and 18th streets.
The current moratorium is set to expire in August. Mayor Gere decided to leave the issue open until the July 7th City Council meeting.