BATTLE GROUND — In November of 2012, state-wide Initiative 502 regarding legalized marijuana was approved by the voters of Washington state.
It became the task of the Washington State Liquor Control Board to license and regulate businesses engaged in marijuana production, processing and retail sales and in July of 2014 state-licensed recreational marijuana sales throughout the state began. A retail store in Battle Ground opened in November of 2014. Now, more than two years later, city officials and community members can explore how the implementation of I-502, legalization and retail sales has impacted the Battle Ground community.
The public is invited to join Battle Ground Police Chief Bob Richardson and a panel of experts for a conversation about marijuana in the community on Wed., Feb. 22, from 5:30-7 p.m., at the Battle Ground Community Center, located at 912 E. Main St.
Discussion will focus on state laws and regulations, compliance, enforcement, effects on the community and why preventing youth access is so important. Along with Chief Richardson, panel participants include a representative from a local marijuana retailer, a prevention specialist from Battle Ground Public Schools and members of Prevent Together: Battle Ground Prevention Alliance. The event is family friendly and parents who attend are encouraged to bring their pre-teen or teenaged children.
This session of Coffee with the Chief is held in in partnership with the Battle Ground Prevention Alliance whose mission is to prevent and reduce youth substance abuse in the Battle Ground community by building resiliency, strengthening relationships and providing education for families and community members. To learn more, visit their website at www.preventtogetherbg.org.
For more information about Coffee with the Chief, contact Police Chief Bob Richardson at (360) 342-5300 or by email at bob.richardson@cityofbg.org.
