Scott and Angel Swanson were planning to open a yet-to-be-named medical and recreational marijuana shop just off of Exit 59 on Interstate 5. The property remains empty after a string of moratoriums by Lewis County commissioners.
The Board of Lewis County Commissioners learned on Tuesday that the state’s liquor and cannabis board does not intend to give the county $92,000 in marijuana tax revenue.
David Fine, with the prosecutor’s office, said the county was informed it could not prohibit the sale and manufacture of cannabis in the county and then seek to receive marijuana tax money.
“Their rationale is you can’t have our cake and eat it, too,” Fine said.
Commissioners were under the impression that they could receive their share of marijuana tax revenue because the county’s ordinance does not outright ban the sale and manufacturing of marijuana, but instead requires those interested to obtain a federal permit, something that currently does not exist.
Since the ordinance doesn’t outright ban marijuana, Glenn Carter, also with the prosecutor’s office, explained that’s how the county received those funds in the past.
Fine said the county could choose to litigate against the state if the commissioners wanted to be a test case, but that those discussions would have to take place at a later date in executive session.
“If we do nothing, the state has said you won’t get the $92,000 a year,” he said.
Commissioner Gary Stamper said there would be further discussion on how to proceed.
