Commissioners hosting marijuana forums in Rosburg, Cathlamet

Wahkiakum County commissioners on Tuesday set the dates for two forums about marijuana retail stores, but they're still trying to develop a program for the events.

Commissioner Mike Backman proposed the forum last week in response to queries from Westend residents about the process for establishing a marijuana retail store in the county.

Commissioners will host the forums January 24 at Johnson Park in Rosburg and January 26 in the commission's meeting room in the courthouse. Both events will start at 6 p.m.

The agenda is still under development.

Backman said the purpose of the forums would be to provide information.

"All it is is information," he said Tuesday. "Just so they (persons interested in opening a retail store) have information.

"I'm not making a point that I'm for it or against it."

Commissioners will recess their regular meeting Jan. 24 in Cathlamet and reconvene at 6 p.m. in Rosburg. Backman suggested the forum could be part of that meeting.

"People who want to talk will talk, and we'll go on to the regular meeting," Backman said. "Back here (in the courthouse), it's up to the other commissioners."

Commissioner Blair Brady was out of town and absent from the meeting, but Commissioner Dan Cothren, a long-time opponent of marijuana legalization said he wouldn't attend a forum if it wasn't part of a board meeting. He said he didn't want to be the single target of comments from proponents.

"It would be nice to have a discussion," he said with irony. "There would be no discussion. They're not going to change my values, and I'm not going to change theirs.

"If we have a forum, it should be separate from county business."

Members of the audience questioned how the forums would operate.

Would there be more than one commissioner in attendance, asked Puget Island resident Sylvia Costich. If so, she asked, how would information be relayed to other commissioners? Would there be a panel or just one commissioner providing information?

Backman asked that the proposal be placed on the agenda for the board's January 10 meeting for further discussion.

"We have time between now and then to figure out how it will happen," he said.

Here is the text of "Frequently Asked Questions" about retail stores from the website (http://www.lcb.wa.gov/mj2015/faqs_i-502) of the Washington Liquor and Cannabis Board:

Retail Stores

Are there restrictions on where marijuana businesses can locate?

You cannot set up a store within 1000 feet of any elementary or secondary school, playground, recreation center or facility, child care center, public park, public transit center, library, or game arcade that allows minors to enter. Local authorities will also be notified and have an opportunity to object. (Note: Recent legislation allows local governments to pass an ordinance to allow for a reduction in the 1000-foot buffer requirements to 100 feet around all entities except elementary and secondary schools and public playgrounds.)

Are the retail outlets run by the state?

Stores are licensed and regulated by the WSLCB but are private-sector businesses.

Can I incorporate marijuana sales into my existing business?

No. Retail outlets may only sell marijuana, marijuana concentrates, marijuana infused products and marijuana paraphernalia.

Can customers consume in a retail store?

No. On-premise consumption is not allowed.

Are there any restrictions on advertising?

Please see our Frequently Asked Questions on Advertising for more information.

Are non-Washington residents able to purchase marijuana?

Yes, but the marijuana products are to be consumed in Washington.

The website also says under the tab "Retail Allocations" that Wahkiakum County has an allotment of one retail store; there are no pending license applications, and it has been proposed to allot another store for a total of two.