Deschutes rural marijuana hearings draw big crowd

A hot topic in rural Deschutes County moved toward resolution Monday as crowds packed a pair of public hearings, weighing in on whether the county should allow recreational marijuana growing and processing, extend a ban or let voters decide in November.

The debate echoes those in other parts of the state as rules continue to be set more than a year after Oregon voters passed Measure 91, legalizing recreational marijuana.

Commissioners voted last fall to use a state-authorized “opt out” provision and temporarily ban such operations while s they appointed a citizens committee to review the issues and propose a set of rules that some call reasonable and others say should be discarded in favor of preserving a quiet rural lifestyle.

Many foes mentioned the smell of cannabis production.

“Last summer, driving on Highway 20, you could smell the ‘skunk’ smell, the locker room (smell),” Sisters resident Patty Adair testified.

But supporters said the best way to manage already existing marijuana operations in a state where the crop is legal is to make it an above-board business, with a clear set of rules.

“Continuing the opt out, we suffer the negative consequences of lack of regulations — unsafe processing, untested products,” said Lindsey Pate, CEO of Glasshouse Grown.

While the county debates the fate of rural marijuana operations, pot-related businesses are popping up in Bend like weed.

“We saw a pretty good ramp up of applications (for permits),” said Bend Assistant City Manager Jon Skidmore said Monday.

Bend currently has 24 dispensaries, while 11 medical dispensaries have applied to convert to recreational ones.

“This might be a flash in the pan moment,” Skidmore said. “This is still a new industry.”

The rules and regulations are still hazy and the debate around cannabis remains heated.

At Monday’s meeting, Phil Henderson, who is running for county commissioner, argued in favor of opting out of marijuana businesses.

“I think it (legalized cannabis growth operations) could have a very chilling effect on the economic growth and vitality” of the county, Henderson said.

But opponents of the opt out claim to have economic impact on their side.

The state collected over $3 million in taxes from recreational cannabis’ sales in its first month. Of that, 40 percent goes to the Common School Fund.

If the county decides to opt out, it would not get any of the state’s marijuana sales tax revenue.

“Very awkward position, as elected commissioners,” said Commissioner Tony DeBone.

Others at the meeting pointed out that Measure 91 passed in the election and allowing marijuana operations should be upheld.

“You don’t get to re-vote when things don’t go your way,” one county resident said.