I-502 was a flawed initiative but it managed to get voter approval in 2012, and thus recreational marijuana retail shops are starting to open in various locations around the state.
The Washington Administrative Code dictates where retail marijuana stores can be set up. “The board shall not issue a new marijuana license if the proposed licensed business is within one thousand feet of … any of the following entities … listed below: (a) Elementary or secondary school; (b) Playground; (c) Recreation center or facility; (d) Child care center; (e) Public park; (f) Public transit center; (g) Library; or (h) Any game arcade (where admission is not restricted to persons age twenty-one or older).”
All of the places above are frequented by children and families. However, churches were suspiciously left off the list. The Snohomish County Planning Division noticed that and added churches to the list of places that are to have the 1,000-foot separation from pot shops. However, The city of Everett Planning Commission at its meeting May 19 refused to add churches to the list. Most churches are attended by families, including children under the age of 21. Ask any pastor, minister or bishop in Everett. There are Cub Scout packs, Boy Scout troops, youth groups of teenagers, potluck dinners, basketball games and other activities during the week. In many cases there are more children coming and going from church buildings than are seen at public parks, libraries and child care centers.
The city of Everett Planning Commission refused to follow the wisdom of the Snohomish County Planning Division. This is wrong. Apparently the city planners are OK with a marijuana retail store being next door to a church. Coincidentally, two local pot shops were recently cited for selling to underage buyers; see The Herald article, “Pot shops cited in sting targeting underage sales.” What say you?
Richard Ek
Everett
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