BEND, OR -- Two local lawmakers say the state legislature will likely tackle marijuana regulations in next month’s session in Salem. At a Bend Chamber event this week, House Republican Leader Mike McLane (R-Powell Butte) said the state “punted” to counties to create regulations for growing commercial marijuana. "The litigation that has been threatened in other counties will either work their way through the court or people will discover what the problem is and then how to practically correct it."
Senator Tim Knopp (R-Bend) said more legislative work is sure to come. "I know there’s going to be some changes in the marijuana law. I don't know how detailed they’re going to be because it is a short session. I suspect that the county ultimately does implement some regulatory framework that will probably give some people relief." Knopp was referring to Deschutes County's December decision to impose a 90-day opt-out for growing marijuana in unincorporated areas. Commissioners cited fear of lawsuits and the desire to see how other counties handle land use issues between growers and neighbors before moving ahead.
