The article discusses Monroe's rejection of a cannabis retail store proposal due to a long-standing ban on cannabis retailers enacted in 2015. This ban is consistent with similar regulations across Snohomish County, indicating a regional resistance to cannabis commerce despite its legalization in Washington. The piece explores the tension between changing societal attitudes towards cannabis and existing regulatory frameworks. It also addresses the challenges faced by cannabis businesses in conservative communities, emphasizing the potential economic benefits of cannabis sales and the complexities of local versus state-level control over cannabis legislation. This situation invites further discussion on the future of cannabis regulation and its implications for local economies.