Health District not part of marijuana decisions

EPHRATA – Administrator Jefferson Ketchel told the last meeting of the Grant County Board of Health that the Grant County Health District will not be involved in decisions about marijuana processing operations in the county.

The County has started receiving notice of marijuana applications, Ketchel said. He noted the Health District was initially on the routing list for approval of these operations, but it has since been determined that the District would only review through its normal regulatory process if septic or water was involved.

Ketchell said items such as marijuana-containing foods are not considered a food product but are considered a marijuana-infused product or MIP.

In financial news, Ketchel reported that Grant County has increased its contribution to the support of the Health District by $11,700. He said all cities in Grant County, except for one, will continue to contribute to the Health District.

Board Chairman Tony Massa presented Raymond Kelby with a certificate of appreciation for his dedicated service to the Board of Health for 12 years. He is the representative for the Wilson Creek, Krupp, and Soap Lake area.

Dr. Alexander Brzezny told the board that there are no active cases of tuberculosis (TB) in the county. Victims reported before have completed treatment or have moved out of the county, he said.

Brzezny reported that there has been a significant increase in Influenza A cases. Currently, 21 have been reported. The region and the west side of the state have also seen the numbers increase, he said.

Brzezny reported that the Health District was working on a possible mumps case. Because of testing issues, it had not yet been confirmed.