Sticky’s Pot Shop in Hazel Dell must stop selling marijuana.
Superior Court Judge Daniel Stahnke ruled Tuesday that John Larson, owner of a recreational marijuana store on 9411 N.E. Highway 99, must close after violating county code. Larson opened the shop in unincorporated Clark County in violation of the county’s ban on recreational pot sales late last year.
A manager at the store declined to comment, instead directing The Columbian to Larson. He was not immediately available for comment. The store was, however, open for business, she said.
The ruling affirms the decision by a Clark County Hearing Examiner, who found Larson gave the county false information about what he planned to sell in order to obtain a building permit, and that he violated the county moratorium.
The decision revokes Larson’s building permit. The judge ruled that the store must stop selling marijuana and marijuana-infused products – such as oils or edibles – immediately. Larson must also pay a $1,500 fee immediately, and a civil penalty of $250 per violation per day as long as he continues to sell marijuana.
Code Enforcement Manager Paul Scarpelli could not immediately comment on the county’s next steps Thursday, saying he’d only been recently informed of the decision and needed to check with the county’s attorneys. He previously said the county will post a “do not occupy” sign on the building and arrest anyone who removes or disobeys the sign.
This story will be updated.