Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy yesterday vetoed a County ordinance that requested the Planning Commission to consider amendments to the County Code related to marijuana production, processing and retail sale.

The veto sends the ordinance back to the Pierce County Council and ensures marijuana may be legally used throughout Pierce County as of today, July 1, 2016, subject to state and County regulations and enforcement.

In her letter to the County Council Chair, McCarthy said that she felt a duty to the voters across the County.  “My job as an elected official requires me to advance the will of the majority of Pierce County citizens who voted in 1998 and 2012, in two comprehensive elections, to legalize medical and recreational marijuana.”

McCarthy added, “This topic has been the subject of studies, debates and votes for many years. Quite frankly, the time has come to move forward, be diligent, and effectively and efficiently implement the production, processing and sale of marijuana in Pierce County in accordance with Washington state law and Pierce County regulations.”