Washington State Rec Store Sues Over Proposed Ban

Cannabis entrepreneurs in Washington State continue to run into resistance and roadblocks in some cities and counties, adding to the regulatory hurdles they already face.

A prime example: The owners of a proposed recreational marijuana store in Washington State are suing the Pierce County council for allegedly trying to zone them out of business.

Ted Wetherbee and Michael Henery purchased a building in September on a state highway that runs through the county, where they had hoped to open their second recreational marijuana business. But the partners charge that the county council amended an ordinance so that marijuana stores would be prohibited on the route, known as Mountain Highway, according to the Tacoma News Tribune.

Wetherbee accused the council of “spot zoning.”

“We hope that this action raises the awareness of what is going on and that the council comes to its senses,” Wetherbee told the Tacoma News Tribune.

Pierce County currently prohibits marijuana stores but recently amended an ordinance that would allow cannabis businesses beginning July 1.

Wetherbee has also filed suits against the cities of Fife and Gig Harbor over their marijuana bans.