As the Washington cannabis industry evolves after its first decade, Okanogan County wants to understand its effects on the economy, make sure the power grid is sufficient, and bring all cannabis businesses into compliance with county regulations. Expansion of the industry has been on hold since the county commissioners imposed a moratorium in March. They adopted the moratorium to work with existing producers and processors to be sure they have the necessary permits for their businesses and buildings.
Now the county is soliciting a consultant to conduct a detailed economic study of the direct and indirect impacts of cannabis growers and processors on sectors including agriculture, tourism and real estate.
Okanogan County Planning Director Stephanie "Pete" Palmer already reached out to the Okanogan County Public Utility District (PUD) to understand the power needs of cannabis growers, particularly as some convert to indoor operations. She also asked the PUD about power needs of other new industries such as cryptocurrency and data centers.
One motivation for the moratorium was frustration by the Planning Department and county commissioners over businesses that operate without site plans or building permits. Overseeing compliance for cannabis farms has become more challenging because of a proliferation of multiple grows in "suites" on a single parcel leased to different growers, Palmer said. Often the parcel owners are not on site or don't live in Washington — or even in the United States, she said. Meanwhile, some growers say they can't find engineers to assist with building plans.
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