Pubdate: Sat, 22 Nov 2014
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2014 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409
Author: Evan Bush
Page: B7

THIRD COURT UPHOLDS MARIJUANA BUSINESS BAN

A Benton County Superior Court judge ruled that local governments can 
ban recreational-pot businesses, according to a news release from the 
state Attorney General's Office.

It's the third ruling that supports localities preventing pot 
businesses from operating, and it hews closely to the informal 
opinion presented by state Attorney General Bob Ferguson earlier this year.

"Three judges in three different parts of the state all ruled from 
the bench. None of them said we need more time to think about it," 
Ferguson said about the judges' rulings. "If those who wrote the 
legislation wanted to require jurisdictions to sell marijuana, they 
should have said so."

The issue is expected to be brought before the state Supreme Court 
early next year.

Ferguson said the Legislature should consider adopting incentives for 
municipalities to allow marijuana businesses. That approach would 
call for the state to share legal recreational-marijuana revenue with 
cities and counties. Those choosing not to allow pot businesses 
wouldn't benefit.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom