Marijuana growers challenge Walla Walla Co. ban

TOUCHET, Wash. (AP) – Three marijuana growers in Walla Walla County have become the latest challengers to the county’s ban on cannabis operations.

The Walla Walla Union-Bulletin reports (http://bit.ly/2iNUfY7 ) that a property owner and growers are contesting a notice of violation the county sent to them in August.

County Hearing Examiner Sharon Rice held a hearing on the appeal on Dec. 12 and her decision is pending.

The challengers include property owner Touchet Riggs Holdings and growers Black Diamond Cannabis, Evergreen Nirvana and Green Volcano Hemp Products.

In their appeal, they claimed they are growing and processing only medical, not recreational, marijuana.

They contend that because they received their licenses from the state in June before the county enacted a moratorium on medical marijuana growing, processing and sale on June 30, their operations are a legal land use.

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Information from: Walla Walla Union-Bulletin, http://www.union-bulletin.com