The Whitman County Planning Commission is seeking to put together a new county marijuana ordinance by Feb. 5.

Alan Thompson, Whitman County planner, said the commission will discuss alternatives to allow marijuana businesses in the county.

This does not mean existing businesses will have to pack up their bags and leave if a full or partial ban becomes law, he said.

“There’s no legality in that,” he said.

However, the commissioners could decide to not allow new businesses to set up in the county. Other possible regulations for the new ordinance could include a restriction of growing marijuana both indoors and outdoors, Thompson said.

He said the commission has been wanting to put together an ordinance on marijuana for nearly a year and it is close to accomplishing that goal.

“Next week is kind of pivotal,” he said. “I would like to see us get there so a recommendation can be sent to the county commissioners.”

The meeting will happen at 7 p.m. Feb. 5, in the Public Works Auditorium of the Colfax Public Works Building.