Lakewood City Council decides on cannabis again

Tonight Lakewood City Council revisited the question of allowing cannabis use and retail with the city limits, Ordinance 855  

Much preparation has been made in the possible decision to legalize.

https://cityoflakewood.us/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-10-05-Council-Agenda.pdf

“AN ORDINANCE of the City Council of the City of Lakewood, Washington, relating to cannabis businesses; amending LMC 18A.10.180, Definitions; LMC 18A.20.080, Review and approval authorities; LMC 18A.40.027, Zoning Use Table Summary; LMC 18A.40.030, Zoning Use Table Air Corridor and Clear Zone; and LMC 18A.80.030, Zoning district parking requirements; adding a new section LMC 18A.40.113, Cannabis businesses; repealing LMC 18A.40.160, Marijuana prohibited, and replacing it with a new LMC 18A.40.160, Cannabis businesses; and adding a new Chapter 5.65 to Title 5 of the Lakewood Municipal Code establishing a cannabis specialty business license...”

The very first public comment eloquently urged cannabis legalization for numerous reasons.

The next comment by phone extolled the years of research on cannabis and details of what legalization allows.

Commenter Jordan Michaelson has sought for years to sell cannabis products bringing up tax revenue sales and excise tax. He also states that a recent casino closure forecasts a revenue loss.  Then cited a survey of over 2500 Nevada youths claimed NONE had used cannabis.  

Another speaker endorsed allowing cannabis as a deterrent to fentanyl.

Another says there are some drawbacks however legalization assures strict regulation, among other agenda topics.

The Council heard from City Staff then updated the proposal to conform with state law.

Councilmember Trestin Lauricella prepared a statement that studies show that cannabis reduces opioid abuse among other harmful substances. That the revenue would benefit the City in view of other budget losses. Also that all districts in Lakewood voted primarily in favor of legalization in 2012. 

Councilmember Ryan Pearson pointed out that public comment until recently was largely opposing lifting the ban.  

Members voting; PEARSON, nay.  TALBOT, aye.  BELLE, aye.  BRANDSTETTER, nay.  LAURICELLA, aye.  LINDHOLM, nay.

Mayor BOCCHI having the deciding vote chose nay.

Once again the City of Lakewood has voted down acceptance of cannabis.  

Someday the City may allow cannabis, but not anytime soon.

LakewoodLyre has discovered that Joint Base Lewis-McChord has been afforded the opportunity to comment on Lakewood legalization.  The Lyre made a Public Request.  At the meeting the finding was provided that JBLM made no comment.