Crook County bans marijuana businesses

Crook County commissioners voted 3-0 Wednesday to adopt an ordinance to opt out of allowing marijuana-related businesses.

The 3-0 vote came as counties around the state weigh an option under a new state law to take that step, and in Crook County’s case ban six state-licensed and registered marijuana businesses, from processing sites and dispensaries to retail marijuana producers, retailers and wholesalers.

The measure takes effect immediately, under an emergency clause, though only in unincorporated areas of the county.

Nearly 60 percent of Crook County voters opposed Measure 91, legalizing marijuana last fall.

County Commissioner Mike McCabe said a few opponents to the measure showed up for Wednesday’s meeting. But he said most agreed it would be best for Crook County to opt out of allowing marijuana-related businesses, at least for now. He said the move may be re-evaluated next year.

It’s the fifth Oregon county to take that step under the measure approved by lawmakers earlier this year. Others are Douglas, Umatilla, Harney and Malheur counties.

Nine Oregon cities also have acted to prohibit some aspect of marijuana facilities under the “opt out” provisions: Ontario, Brownsville, Vale, Nyssa, Sandy, Island City, Sutherlin, Junction City and Jordan Valley, according to the Oregon Liquor Control Commission.

Commissioners did not take up another item on the agenda: a proposed tax break that’s expected to lure a third Facebook data center to Prineville. The county is awaiting return of documents from the social-networking company.