Lynnwood City Council Votes to Allow Marijuana Retail Shops Within City Limits
In a recent move, the Lynnwood City Council has taken a significant step towards allowing retail marijuana sales within the city limits. The council voted 5-2 in favor of a motion expressing its intent to permit such sales, with council members Patrick Decker and David Parshall being the only dissenting voices.
The decision was driven in part by the potential revenue that could be generated from the marijuana tax. The city had previously banned retail marijuana shops in 2015, but the council is now considering an ordinance to legalize sales. The proposed ordinance would allow retail cannabis establishments in designated zones, including Highway 99 Mixed Use, General Commercial, and Alderwood, subject to specific buffer requirements and zoning standards.
The council’s decision follows recommendations from the Lynnwood Planning Commission, which conducted an extensive analysis of potential zoning and regulatory frameworks for retail cannabis. The city has four state-issued cannabis retail licenses allocated by the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, but none are currently active due to the city’s ban.
The council will now have a final vote on the ordinance on September 22, allowing for public input and further deliberation. This is not the first time the issue has been debated, and the council’s decision is a significant step towards allowing retail marijuana sales in Lynnwood.
