Local News

Attorney General Urges LCB to Protect Children in Their Marijuana Rulemaking Process

Okanogan Country Radio

May 07, 2015

Attorney General Bob Ferguson sent a letter Wednesday to the Liquor Control Board sharing his recommendations about the board’s proposed permanent rules on recreational marijuana. Ferguson highlighted his concern that rules be crafted to address all marijuana products that have the potential to appeal to children.

Ferguson said, “As our state implements voter-approved recreational marijuana, it’s crucial that the rules governing it take every measure possible to protect children.” Ferguson said. “That’s why I am calling upon the LCB to regulate not just marijuana-infused products that can appeal to kids, but also flavored usable marijuana and concentrates with the same potential.”

The Board’s protection of youth has been a sticking point for the Okanogan County Community Coalition, who have been fighting the license for a retail marijuana store next to the Game Stop in Omak. Coalition Executive Director Andi Ervin said, “If I had a single good experience with Liquor Control Board following even the most basic of their marijuana rules, this would be interesting. But,“ she said, “unfortunately they are not, but rather allowing licenses to move forward despite being less than 500 feet from game arcades -- a clear violation of their rules.”

It has been discovered that in the processing of vetting the application for this particular retail license, no one from the Liquor Control Board has actually come to Omak to confirm it is in compliance with the rules set out by the Board.

Ervin said, “I no longer have any faith that the Liquor Control Board has any desire to create a well-regulated or controlled marijuana market.” She said, “They are in the business of making money by granting even the most ridiculous licenses.”

The current administrative rules were initially implemented as a temporary, emergency measure last year. The LCB is now working to establish permanent rules.