The Mount Shasta City Council voted unanimously at their June 8 meeting to place the initiative, championed by the Keep Cannabis Away from Kids Coalition on the general November 3 ballot.

The voters of Mount Shasta will be left to decide on an initiative that would curtail industrial cannabis businesses in city limits.

The Mount Shasta City Council voted unanimously at their June 8 meeting to place the initiative, championed by the Keep Cannabis Away from Kids Coalition on the general November 3 ballot.

The coalition collected 288 valid voter signatures on their petition, which gave the council two choices: they could adopt the initiative or let voters decide.

During last week’s meeting, which was held remotely via Zoom, Mayor John Stackfleth initially moved to approve the initiative as it was written, but the motion died with no second.

During public comment, Keep Cannabis Away from Kids Coalition chairman Tom Scovill, as well as supporter Betty Kreeger, said they hoped the council would adopt the initiative to save the city in election costs. Scovill said he believes that if the initiative goes to vote, it will receive “overwhelming” support.

The 288 signatures collected represent about 12.5% of the city’s 2,280 registered voters.

“I’m in favor of going to a vote,” said council member John Redmond. “It’s how democracy works.”

Councilor Jeffrey Collings said he appreciated that the initiative was supported by about 12.5% of the city’s voters, but said he doesn’t believe the council should set policy based on that number.