WASHINGTON (25News Now) – The City of Washington is close to having its first marijuana dispensary.
City council members voted 5-3 Monday night to approve a recreational adult cannabis dispensary on the corner of Centennial Drive and McClugage Drive.
The business will be called Key Cannabis Dispensary. Zepln Enterprise, LLC applied for the special use permit.
Council members voting against the request said they don’t believe a dispensary fits into Washington’s personality.
“This isn’t a judgment thing, it’s just- you know, boiling down to what do we feel is right for our community,” said Ward 4 Council member Mike McIntyre.
“There are certain things that fit in our community and other things that don’t. And again, not judging anyone, what people do in their own home they do in their own home,” McIntyre said.
He noted Washington residents may not support the business if it opens, given that the city holds high values.
McIntyre said he also would not support proposals for a strip club or casino.
“It hit most of the criteria, and I understand that. But, with a special use permit, it gives us the ability to say no and the location and the fibers of Washington, I just didn’t feel like it was the right fit for us. I don’t think normalizing marijuana is the right direction for the community and that’s why I stood on that,” Mclntyre said.
Council members Todd Sluder from Ward 1 and Brandon Moss from Ward 3 also voted no.
They argued having a dispensary, visible for all to see, might have a negative impact on children and teenagers.
Those voting for the dispensary said the public has misconceptions, and the response they received has been more favorable than expected.
“I think that a legal 21+ highly, heavily regulated business is much less of a concern that some of the things that we’re starting to target here,” said Ward 1’s Paula Johnson.
“[Dispensaries] have age restrictions, security, mandated product tracking, regulated hours, compliance inspections, and in this community, you will only find one dispensary,” said Ward 2’s Jamie Smith.
“So, do I wish that had I known a little more about the vape shops before this? I wish we could have done something about that. That’s a huge concern for me,” she continued.
There is still no timeline for construction.
You can watch 25News – any newscast, anywhere – streaming LIVE on 25NewsNow.com, our 25News mobile app, and on our WEEK 25News SmartTV streaming app. Learn more about how you can get connected to 25News streaming live news here.
Copyright 2026 WEEK. All rights reserved.