Deschutes County seeks marijuana advisory panel members

Deschutes County is accepting applications for its new Marijuana Advisory Committee. which will provide recommendations to the county commissioners on medical and recreational marijuana land use regulations.

In December, County Commissioners voted unanimously to temporarily ban marijuana business in unincorporated Deschutes County, expressing a desire to have more time to evaluate the impact of proposed regulations.

“This is a priority issue for the board,” said Deschutes County Chair Alan Unger. “We appreciate the public interest in helping us address this topic.”

The MAC is charged with developing and recommending reasonable regulations to address the impacts of both medical and recreational marijuana land uses (such as sight, sound and smell).

The MAC’s recommendations will be considered if the Board of County Commissioners or voters rescind the county’s temporary opt-out ordinance.

Community Development Director Nick Lelack said he expects the MAC to include as many as 12 members, which will be appointed by the Board of County Commissioners in early February.

“We’re hoping that through the applications we receive, the Board will have the opportunity to put together a balanced group that includes both rural residents and representatives from the marijuana industry,” Lelack said.

The MAC is expected to meet on Wednesdays in February and March from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. (Specific dates and locations to be determined). Additional meetings may be required.

To apply, residents can fill out the MAC application form online, or print the form (available at www.deschutes.org/marijuana) and mail or hand deliver it (along with a resume) to the Community Development Department. All applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Monday, January 25. Late applications will not be accepted.

For questions about the MAC, please contact Nick Lelack, Community Development Director, at 541-385-1708.