PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County officials say they will continue to block medical marijuana dispensaries, indefinitely. The announcement comes despite a decision by the county’s only incorporated city to allow the businesses.
Jeff Wilson, Crook County Counsel says the moratorium applies to all areas outside of the Prineville city limits. "The city is its own jurisdiction, so the city can decide for itself whether it intends to continue with that moratorium or allow medical marijuana dispensaries. It’s my understanding that the city has enacted legislation to allow dispensaries in certain specified locations."
Commissioners are relying on the Circuit Court ruling for Cave Junction, which says a city can regulate medical marijuana dispensaries. Wilson says they’re interpreting that to include prohibition. "So, until the court of appeals rules otherwise, or unless the Legislature decides to weigh in, it’s Crook County’s position that SB 1531 – that’s the Senate Bill that created the moratorium – is not consider preemptive and doesn’t preclude the county from keeping the moratorium in effect," Wilson tells KBND News.
The moratorium applies only to the pharmaceutical outlets, and Wilson admits it could mean recreational pot stores would be allowed next year, while medical dispensaries are not. He says the county will cross that bridge when they come to it.
