The Jackson County Board of Commissioners has formed a Marijuana Advisory Committee that brings together people with a variety of views about the local marijuana industry.
“We’re looking for common sense suggestions from the entire committee about what we might do with our codes, how we might react to a very, very transitional time in an emerging industry that’s been made legal in this state,” said Commissioner Bob Strosser.
Commissioners appointed six local residents to the committee Wednesday.
The advisory group also includes Jackson County Sheriff Nathan Sickler. Non-voting members are Strosser, the county development services director and the county watermaster or his designee.
Commissioners tapped Obie Strickler, founder and chief executive officer of Grown Rogue, to fill the seat representing medical marijuana interests.
Grown Rogue has outdoor grow locations, an indoor extraction and distribution building, and partnerships with dozens of dispensaries in Oregon, according to its website.
Commissioners chose Cheryl Johnson, owner of Rose Sol and West Coast Baked Goodness, for the recreational marijuana slot.
“Both of them are very well versed in the industry,” Strosser said.
He said Strickler and Johnson want marijuana businesses to operate according to the law and to be good neighbors. Both have a long-range view of the industry, Strosser said.
Susan Rachor, wife of former Jackson County Commissioner John Rachor, represents the interests of rural property owners, while Jerry May brings the perspective of people in the traditional, non-marijuana agricultural sector, Strosser said.
Frank Grant and Thomas Giles round out the committee by filling two citizen-at-large seats.
“They both have expressed a huge interest in this area,” Strosser said.
Strosser said the commissioners had a good pool of candidates and he thanked everyone who applied to serve on the new committee.
“It was put together with great care, hoping to get balanced opinions,” he said.
credit:mailtribune.com