PUBLIC HEARING TO DEBATE MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN MARYSVILLE

MARYSVILLE -- With a number of statewide ballot measures seeking to put
the issue of marijuana legalization up to a vote in Washington, the
city of Marysville is weighing whether it should take action of its
own.

On June 22, the "New Approach Washington" group filed for an
initiative to legalize the growth, processing and sale of marijuana,
in regulated stores to adults 21 years or older, which would allow the
state Legislature to enact it themselves or put it on next year's ballot.

On July 11, the Marysville City Council will conduct a public hearing
to consider an interim ordinance imposing a moratorium on the
establishment, licensing and permitting of medical marijuana
dispensaries and collective gardens within city limits.

Unless extended, this interim moratorium would sunset within six
months of the date of its adoption, which would likewise need to be
determined.

This issue is not a distant concern for Marysville city officials, who
last year reported that they were as surprised as anyone else to learn
that a medicinal marijuana dispensary had set up shop within city limits.

The July 11 public hearing starts at 7 p.m. at Marysville City Hall,
located at 1049 State Ave., and any person may attend and speak out on
this issue.