The Winlock City Council held a meeting on May 27, where they officially denied a proposal for a cannabis dispensary at 292 State Route 505. Resident Victoria Marincin raised concerns regarding the location’s proximity to child-focused areas, including a playground and an active homeschool co-op within 1,000 feet, violating state regulations for such establishments. Marincin, who is also a candidate for mayor, referred to the location as the ‘signature entrance of Winlock’ and stressed that it was inappropriate due to its closeness to youth-oriented places.
Mayor Brandon Svenson confirmed that the proposal was officially rejected, citing the proximity to a school as the main reason. ‘It is officially denied at that location just because of proximity to the school next door. That’s a state law,’ he stated, making it clear that the proposal is no longer viable.
During the discussion, Marincin asked whether the city plans to create maps that designate ‘children’s areas’ for future planning, a suggestion that received acknowledgment from a council member. This indicates a need for the Community Development department to update maps to reflect sensitive locations, particularly as Winlock experiences growth. The council’s decision highlights the ongoing challenges local governments face when balancing community development with regulatory compliance in the cannabis industry.
English 
Spanish 
German 
Czech