Pendleton marijuana moratorium set to expire as city council discusses taking issue to voters
By Griffin Beach on Wednesday, August 19th, 2026 in Columbia Basin News Columbia Basin Top Stories
PENDLETON – A temporary moratorium on marijuana businesses in Pendleton will expire this week after the city council chose not to extend it on the advice of legal staff.
The council enacted the moratorium in April after local dispensary owners expressed concerns that market saturation could burden locally owned business. The council approve the temporary pause so they could gather more information before taking further action.
During that period, city staff sought clarification from their legal department. Legal counsel advised that under state law, any prohibition on marijuana businesses must be approved by voters.
“I would like to provide you options, but unfortunately the statutory framework is extremely restrictive,” said Jeremy Green, an attorney with Bryan, Lovlien and Jarvis, the law firm contracted by the city.
As council members discussed placing a moratorium on the ballot at their meeting Tuesday, Green suggested discussing the legal ramifications in an executive session.
City Manager Robb Corbett said he would coordinate with the legal team to schedule an executive session as soon as possible.
Councilmembers Ellie McBride and Brett Mulvihill at Tuesday night’s meeting.
