PRINEVILLE, OR -- Crook County Commissioners are expected to decide today whether to limit marijuana businesses outside of the Prineville city limits. Ken Fahlgren says because 58% of Crook County voters said no to Measure 91, Commissioners can choose to ban six different types of businesses, ranging from medical dispensaries to recreational marijuana retailers and producers. "If we were to restrict these six directions that the state allows us through the opt-out, it doesn’t stop someone to grow for themselves and for personal use. And, it doesn’t stop the allowed grow in that personal way for others who carry a medical marijuana card."
Commissioner Fahlgren tells KBND it's a difficult decision, "I don’t know yet. I look at this as being a problem for our public safety. I’ve got grandkids here as well, and I’m one of the voters who voted it down. So, I guess in my mind at this time, I would probably opt out unless I hear something different; and that’s where a discussion is helping me to be more open-minded. I really, I don’t know."
HB 3400, approved by state lawmakers at the end of the legislative session, allows a ban in communities where more than 55% of residents voted against Measure 91 last November.
Currently there is one medical marijuana dispensary in Prineville; it would not be impacted by a ban, since it’s inside the city limits. A county ban also would not impact personal pot use, which became legal July first. Well, it’s something we’ve worked on now for many years. "It’s coming to a head with the state. We really want to listen to what the voters have to say. We know there’s a need for medical marijuana in this process, the city has allowed a medical marijuana dispensary in the city; there was a lot of discussion around that," Fahlgren says.
If approved at today's County Commissioner meeting, a ban could go into effect immediately.
