City Council to Discuss Proposed Controlled Substance Ordinance at Upcoming Meeting

Lisa Gardner, City Council Communications Director, 509.625.6226

Friday, April 28, 2023 at 2:34 p.m.

At their upcoming Public Safety & Community Health Committee meeting, City Council will preview a draft proposal of a controlled substances ordinance that reflects elements of the legislation that failed to pass the State Legislature last week.

The proposed emergency ordinance would go into effect immediately upon passage and would prohibit the following:

  • Knowing possession of a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or non-prescribed legend drug.
  • Knowing possession of less than 40 grams of cannabis by a person under 21.
  • Knowing use of a controlled substance, counterfeit substance, or non-prescribed legend drug in a public place.

To comply with existing state law, until July 1, 2023, all violations would be punishable as a misdemeanor. Beginning on July 1, 2023, when current state law on this topic expires, all violations except possession of less than 40 grams of cannabis by a person under 21 would be punishable as a gross misdemeanor.

The proposed ordinance emphasizes that case resolution and sentencing for those charged with the above offenses must address any underlying addiction and encourages the prosecutor to resolve cases in ways that advance the defendant’s stabilization and recovery most effectively.

WHEN:        Monday, May 1, 1:15 p.m.

WHERE:   City Council Chambers – 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd or online at https://my.spokanecity.org/citycable5/live/ and https://www.facebook.com/spokanecitycouncil.

WHAT:        Discussion of proposed controlled substances ordinance