Pubdate: Wed, 29 Sep 2004
Source: Union Democrat, The (Sonora, CA)
Copyright: 2004 Western Communications, Inc
Contact:  http://uniondemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/846
Author: Chris Nichols
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)

REACTION VARIES ON POT CLINIC PROPOSAL

A proposal to open Calaveras County's first medical marijuana dispensary in 
San Andreas drew mixed reaction yesterday.

Some county residents said such a business was long overdue. Others 
criticized the location, near the county's 4-H office.

Kim Cue last week applied to open a cannabis club at Highway 49 and 
Mountain Ranch Road and only 20 feet from the county 4-H administration office.

Citing concerns over the proposed location and how to regulate the 
business, Calaveras County supervisors Monday voted to prohibit any clubs 
from opening for 45 days. Supervisors said they would work with the 
Sheriff's Department and the county counsel to devise a plan to regulate clubs.

Cue did not respond to calls for comment.

Marijuana dispensaries became legal under state law in 1996, after 
California voters passed Proposition 215. Although federal laws prohibit 
the use of marijuana for any purpose, the initiative allows harvest and 
sale of limited amounts of cannabis for medicinal purposes.

"It could be a little further away," said Valerie Young, a coordinator who 
works at the 4-H office.

Young said middle school-aged children commonly hang out near the building 
after school and sometimes accompany their parents to the administrative 
office.

"I would rather they order it online and not have these outlets," said 
Karen Riley, an assistant at the office.

But several residents and two county workers near the site, said they did 
not foresee any problems with a cannabis club, as long as it is regulated.

"It doesn't bother me a bit," said County Surveyor Bruce Child Jr., who 
works in the same building as the 4-H workers. "We'll probably have better 
law enforcement here than we've ever had."

Some residents said it was about time the county had a place to legally buy 
marijuana.

"By all means, open it," said Richard Kline, who said he uses cannabis to 
relieve pain associated with his lung and liver cancer. "The voters of 
California overwhelming approved (medical marijuana). We want it."

Kline said several doctors have rejected his requests for a medical 
marijuana recommendation, adding that he thought they were afraid to 
prescribe it.

"A lot of people up here need (medical marijuana)," said Caleb Miles, 
co-owner of Hemptation, a business that sells smoking pipes and 
accessories. Miles said he receives questions each day from sick residents 
about where to find it.

County officials, including Sheriff Dennis Downum and County Counsel James 
Jones, said they will use the next 45 days to review plans devised by other 
towns regarding cannabis clubs. Officials might suggest how close to 
schools or churches the clubs can operate. They will also review how much 
marijuana the clubs can harvest and sell.

"This is a whole new ballgame for us," Downum said Tuesday, adding his 
department will have to balance conflicting state and federal laws 
regarding the sale of marijuana.

Earlier this month, the Angels Camp City Council adopted an ordinance 
prohibiting cannabis clubs from operating within 1,000 feet of schools or 
any youth-oriented establishments. The ordinance also banned clubs from 
opening in residential areas or within 1,000 feet of another cannabis club.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D