Deschutes Co. drafts medical pot dispensary rules

Last March, Deschutes County commissioners established a moratorium on the operation of marijuana dispensaries, but with the “sunset clause” set to repeal May 1, the county has drafted proposed new rules on where they can — and can’t be.

In anticipation of this repeal, staff is proposing text amendments that define, permit, and establish standards for medical marijuana dispensaries.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are proposed to be a “conditional use” in the Exclusive Farm Use (EFU) Zone and an “outright permitted” use in rural commercial (for example Tumalo, Terrebonne, Sunriver) and industrial zones.

Dispensaries will also be subject to site plan review and specific use standards. Hours of operation are limited from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The proposed definition of medical marijuana dispensaries and specific use standards are primarily structured to be consistent with the Oregon Medical Marijuana Act (ORS 475.300-346).

The record is now open for public and agency comments. A public hearing before the Deschutes County Planning Commission is scheduled for March 12. A recommendation will be forwarded to county commissioners, who have a heaering planned for April 15.

For more information, visit: www.deschutes.org/cd/page/medical-and-recreational-marijuana-land-use-regulation .