Kelso-area pot grower violating county code

LONGVIEW — The license for an Ostrander Road marijuana production and processing facility may be in jeopardy after the Cowlitz County commissioners sent a letter to the state objecting to its annual renewal.

The county is asking the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to deny the license renewal for Growpro LLC until the company complies with building and fire codes. The board notified the county that Growpro’s license was up for renewal 90 days before its expiration.

According to the county’s letter, at the time Growpro’s license was first approved and since then, the county has not reviewed, inspected or approved any structure for the facility. Mike Wilson, county building official, said Growpro doesn’t have any permits from the county’s Building and Planning Department.

Growpro could not be reached for comment this week.

‘Chronic illegal activity’

Ongoing building and fire code violations amount to “chronic illegal activity” that threatens the public health, safety and welfare of the community, the letter states.

Growpro appears to be violating the county code in about nine different ways, including constructing a building, occupying a building and altering cargo containers without a permit, according to the letter.

The company holds a Tier 1 production and processing license, which allows it to grow, harvest, dry, cure and package marijuana. The company can also label usable marijuana, concentrates and marijuana-infused products to be sold at wholesale processors and retailers.

Growpro is one of more than 20 producers and processors in Cowlitz County with an active license.

A copy of the county’s objection letter will also be sent to Growpro, according to the Liquor and Cannabis Board. The company can then contact the county to discuss the objection. If the county does not withdraw its objection, Growpro can submit a rebuttal to the board, which will then review the situation and make a decision on the license renewal.