Pause will allow council to do additional research, take public comment
The Pendleton City Council has enacted a temporary moratorium on new marijuana retail licenses to allow additional research and consideration. This moratorium will serve as a temporary ban to stop the City from accepting any new license applications for 120 days, but it has no impact on existing businesses or on pending applications.
On Tuesday, April 21, Pendleton City Council members approved the moratorium in order to evaluate long-term regulatory options and market conditions. This pause will allow City staff and elected officials to study whether additional regulations or a cap on the number of retailers is appropriate.
Marijuana businesses in Oregon are licensed and regulated at the state level by the Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC); however, cities retain authority over local business licensing, zoning, and land use decisions.
Pendleton City Council began considering a potential limit on the number of retail marijuana establishments in the City at the request of the owner of one of Pendleton’s existing marijuana retail establishments. The request referenced House Bill 4121, passed by the Oregon Legislature at the end of 2024. This legislation included provisions governing where marijuana retailers could be located and asked the OLCC to implement population-based license caps that determine where a retail marijuana license can be submitted.
The City of Pendleton sees more than 4,000 people commute into Pendleton for work as well as significant tourism traffic, and, because of these factors, staff and elected officials are considering if a marijuana business limit should be implemented, and, if so, what that limit would be.
During the moratorium period, City of Pendleton staff will:
- Review local marijuana licensing policies and land use regulations
- Evaluate impacts on public safety, economic conditions, and community character
- Consider whether a cap or other limitations on marijuana businesses should be implemented
- Align local policies with evolving state regulations and guidance
City leaders emphasized that the moratorium is not a permanent ban, but a planning tool commonly used by local governments to manage growth and ensure regulations are effective and up to date.
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- April 21, 2026