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CONTINUING COVERAGE: MARIJUANA Medford voters will decide whether recreational pot will be sold and taxed Comment By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Dec. 17, 2015 at 5:20 PM Updated Dec 17, 2015 at 5:50 PM By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Dec. 17, 2015 at 5:20 PM Updated Dec 17, 2015 at 5:50 PM » Social News After months of debate, the Medford City Council on Thursday took the first step toward letting voters decide whether they want a ban on local sales of recreational marijuana. “In general, I’m not in favor of sending things to the voters,” Councilor Michael Zarosinski said. However, he said this issue has been a difficult one for the council. The council unanimously approved an ordinance that could place the issue of recreational sales on the November 2016 ballot. A second ordinance that also would appear on the ballot would ask voters to approve a 3 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana. On Oct. 2, the council lifted its ban on medical marijuana dispensaries, effective Dec. 1. Medford dispensaries will not be allowed to sell recreational pot, though most in the county do under a temporary law passed by the Legislature earlier this year. The Oregon Liquor Control Commission is working on rules governing recreational sales that should take effect in January. Ballot Measure 91, passed by voters in November 2014, legalized pot for anyone 21 or older. Medford voters were almost evenly split on Measure 91. Councilor Clay Bearnson, who is planning to open his own cannabis dispensary soon, said he thinks the shops that sell recreational marijuana will look almost the same as the shops that currently sell medical marijuana. “I think it’s kind of silly to send this to the voters,” he said. Bearnson still voted in favor of the ordinance. Ultimately, he said, he expects the OLCC will license both recreational and medical marijuana facilities. The OLCC also will have much stricter rules and regulations on recreational sales than the Oregon Health Authority, which currently approves dispensaries, Bearnson said. Only Patients Helping Patients, at 2390 W. Main St., has been selling medical marijuana since the city lifted its moratorium. Another business, Lime Green, at 17 South Riverside Ave., also has applied for a business license. Bearnson is awaiting approval from the Oregon Health Authority for his dispensary before applying for a city business license. If voters decide against recreational marijuana stores, Medford would lose a share of the 17 percent tax on sales that will be collected by the state. Medical marijuana is not be subject to the same tax. Deputy City Attorney Kevin McConnell said he didn’t have an exact amount that would be lost, but he said it would be a “six-figure number.” A 3 percent tax on local sales would provide an even higher number, McConnell said. “It could be a good chunk of change,” he said. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 541-776-4476 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at @reporterdm . By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm MailTribune.com By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Follow @@reporterdm Posted Dec. 17, 2015 at 5:20 PM Updated Dec 17, 2015 at 5:50 PM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... 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