Cannabis in Lynnwood Timeline, council opinions ahead of Sept. 22 vote on citys ban

The Lynnwood City Council will vote on September 22 to decide whether to lift a ban on cannabis sales that has been in place since 2015. The review process began at the request of Councilmember George Hurst, resulting in a year-long examination of the implications of legal sales. Lynnwood Planning Manager Karl Almgren indicated that the city could earn approximately $100,000 annually from cannabis sales tax revenue. Proposed regulations suggest allowing sales in designated zones with specific buffer distances from schools and playgrounds. The council's prior rejection of a motion to overturn the ban in 2021 reflected ongoing concerns about potential negative secondary effects.

The proposed ordinance also requires retailers to comply with city design and licensing standards. If the council votes in favor, it would mark a significant policy change in the city’s approach to cannabis. The upcoming decision will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of cannabis legalization in Lynnwood.