Pierce County executive vetoes council's ordinance banning pot businesses

TACOMA -- Pierce County Executive Pat McCarthy has vetoed the County Council's measure that would prohibit marijuana businesses from operating until Congress removes pot from the list of federally controlled substances, The News Tribune of Tacoma reported Monday.

According to the newspaper, McCarthy said she vetoed the ordinance because it conflicts with state law, which permits the licensing of marijuana businesses.

The council voted 4-3 to pass the ordinance Nov. 5.

Council Chairwoman Joyce McDonald, R-Puyallup, told the News Tribune that the council will vote Dec. 10 on whether to overturn the veto.  An override requires five of seven votes.