Planning Commission unanimously recommends against allowing cannabis businesses, keeps 1,000-foot buffers

The Lakewood Planning Commission voted unanimously on Aug. 5 to recommend that the City Council not permit cannabis retail sales, processors, producers or testing laboratories inside city limits and to keep the draft 1,000-foot separation buffers unchanged.

Commissioner Larson moved to forward a "no" recommendation and Commissioner Wallace seconded. After hearing public testimony and a staff overview, commissioners discussed health, public-safety and fiscal impacts. Chair said the commission had "looked at many lenses" and did not see a clear benefit to the city. The clerk then called the roll; all seven commissioners voted no. The action will be forwarded to the City Council for its consideration.

Public commenters ranged from longtime residents urging a continued ban to one social-equity license applicant asking the city to allow a small, carefully regulated presence. Assistant Director Silva summarized the draft code before deliberations, noting it maintained a 1,000-foot minimum separation from protected uses and required both state licensing and a city specialty business license.

Commissioner Robert Estrada questioned whether the modest projected revenue—staff estimated roughly $150,000–$200,000 annually under some scenarios—would outweigh the costs of implementation. Estrada said, "That amount is significant in itself, but after expenses related to enactment and implementation, it's gonna be far less." Commissioner Wallace, who identified herself as a physician, cited concerns about addiction and psychotic disorders in genetically susceptible individuals and said she would vote no. Commissioner Larsen cited negative experiences reported in Tacoma and elsewhere as a reason to oppose local retail.

The commission also amended its recommendation to explicitly keep the buffer-zone requirements as presented in the draft. Assistant Director Silva said staff will return to the commission with a revised transmittal to forward to City Council and that the item is tentatively scheduled for upcoming council discussion.