Klamath Falls, Ore. – The deadline to gather signatures to overturn a ban on recreational marijuana in Klamath Falls is quickly approaching.
It will take 1,783 valid signatures to put the question before city voters in November.
“They currently have 1,577 signatures.” Notes Klamath County Clerk Rochelle Long. “So they’re very close.”
“We did turn in a batch of 612 yesterday.” Adds Co-Chief Petitioner and dispensary owner Ed Medina. “We are expecting that to actually hit our number.”
Medina says backers began collecting signatures to allow recreational marijuana sales back in January. “Officially, we’ve turned in 4,850 signatures so far.”
But the County Clerk explains that about two-thirds of those signatures can’t be counted. “It’s usually because they don’t live in the city – that’s the major thing.”
An effort to overturn a county wide ban on recreational marijuana failed two years ago, but Medina is undaunted. “We do know that in 2016 election, the majority of city voters did vote yes for recreational cannabis.”
Backers have until 5:pm Monday to file any last-minute signatures.
“Obviously, that’s just the first hurdle.” Points out Medina. “We do need to educate folks in the area, we have to get people to turn in their ballots to vote.”
If the ordinance is approved by voters, recreational sales could begin on February 1st of 2019.
The city could also be allowed to collect a 3% tax on marijuana sales.
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