YAKIMA, Wash. - As Yakima city and county officials determine how best to prevent marijuana retail sales from happening in Yakima, a nationally recognized legalization opponent Tuesday encouraged officials to use bans, zoning and moratoriums to keep the newly legal drug out.

Kevin Sabet, drug policy director at the University of Florida's College of Medicine and a former adviser to the Obama administration, had to appear via Skype because his flight from Seattle was canceled. But that didn't faze the 70-odd community leaders and Safe Yakima Valley Coalition members gathered in the Yakima Valley Hotel & Conference Center. Sheriff Ken Irwin and County Commissioners Mike Leita and Kevin Bouchey were among those in attendance.

[continues 497 words]