Maple Valley City Council Approves Retail Marijuana Stores

Katelyn Baker;3059004 said:

The legalization of marijuana in the state of Washington happened in 2012. Not every city decided to allow retail marijuana stores right away. The city of Maple Valley recently decided to allow retail marijuana outlets in the city, but not everyone was on board.

The City Council had extended discussions about retail marijuana shops in the city at the last two City Council meetings on Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. During the Sept. 12 meeting, the council discussed their opinions on passing ordinance No. O-16-601, which would allow retail marijuana stores in Maple Valley. The council passed the ordinance 5-2 at the Sept. 29 meeting.

During both meetings, Councilman Les Burberry gave statistics about the dangers of marijuana and how driving under the influence of marijuana has increased since the legalization of marijuana. He was against passing the ordinance because of all of the negative statistics he presented. Burberry said he wants to keep the community safe and doesn't want retail marijuana shops allowed in the community.

A few community members also gave their opinions during the public comment portion of the City Council meeting on Sept. 12. Most of the community members that spoke were for the approval of the retail shops.

The council had a lot to think about before making their decision. During their discussion on Sept. 12, Councilwoman Megan Sheridan said they needed to listen to the citizens, most of which approved of the retail marijuana shops.

"It's not our job to go against our citizens," Sheridan said during the meeting.

Councilman Bill Allison mentioned he was impressed by the regulations and how they keep everything under control.

While the council had different opinions, they all agreed with the statistics Burberry gave and understood why he opposed passing the ordinance. They also agreed that they need to listen to what the majority of the community members want, and that happens to be to approve the retail shops.

After discussing the ordinance once more on Sept. 26, the council decided they were all ready to vote. Burberry and Councilwoman Linda Johnson were the dissenting votes . Since the majority of the council approved the ordinance, retail shops will be allowed in Maple Valley.

News Moderator: Katelyn Baker 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Maple Valley City Council Approves Retail Marijuana Stores
Author: Ana Karen Perez Guzman
Contact: 425-432-1209
Photo Credit: Kevin J. Beaty
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