Woodland City Council approved the first reading of a proposed cannabis zoning law that would allow marijuana sales in the light industrial district at its meeting Monday, Dec. 7.
The ordinance passed its first hearing with no changes, with a 5-2 vote. Ordinance 1548 will have its second hearing on Dec. 18, where the council will vote on its approval.
If approved, marijuana retailers may open retail space and begin selling products within Woodland’s light industrial district by Dec. 26.
Council member Melissa Doughty suggested that the ordinance be put on Woodland’s ballot in February, instead of letting the council decide.
“I very strongly think we need a vote in our town, not only on the zoning issue, but on having it in our town,” Doughty said.
Council member Terry Hall disagreed, stating it is the council’s responsibility to make decisions on such matters.
“It’s not the kind of thing where we bring every decision to the people and ask a vote. That would be a democracy, and we are a republic,” Hall said. “We need to recognize that and take responsibility. So I think a vote is nonsense.”
Council members Deeanna Holland and Doughty voted against Ordinance 1548, while Monte Smith, Douglas Freimarck, Carol Rounds, John Burke and Hall voted in favor.
