Pubdate: Fri, 09 Feb 2007
Source: San Gabriel Valley Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2007 San Gabriel Valley Tribune
Contact: http://www.sgvtribune.com/writealetter
Website: http://www.sgvtribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3725
Author: Jennifer McLain, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Proposition+215
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/SB+420
Cited: Americans for Safe Access http://www.safeaccessnow.org

BAN ON POT CLUBS GROWS

ROSEMEAD - The Rosemead City Council has adopted a temporary ban on 
medical marijuana clubs, joining the growing ranks of cities with 
prohibitions against the establishments.

The moratorium, which received unanimous council support, temporarily 
prevents marijuana dispensaries from operating within city limits, 
officials said.

The city now has less than a month to decide whether to extend the 
moratorium for another 10 months. After that period, the council will 
vote on a permanent policy, city officials said.

Many cities have been waiting for state and federal laws to reconcile 
differences, said Rosemead City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto.

In the meantime, Lazzaretto said the city decided to be "pro-active."

"A lot of cities were waiting for the laws to straighten out," 
Rosemead City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto said. "It is better to get 
out in front of the issue."

California voters in 1996 passed a proposition that allows those who 
demonstrated a medical need for marijuana the legal authority to 
obtain and use it. In 2003, the state Legislature enacted a program 
that authorizes the distribution of cannabis to qualified patients.

But the state law appeared to contradict a 2005 United States Supreme 
Court ruling that held the federal Controlled Substance Act prohibits 
any person from possessing or using marijuana.

Prior to the passing of the moratorium, the city did not have an 
ordinance prohibiting or limiting marijuana dispensaries, said Oliver 
Chi, deputy city manager.

Many cities, such as Azusa, Glendora, El Monte, Monterey Park and 
Monrovia, have passed temporary bans.

Don Duncan, Southern California coordinator of Americans for Safe 
Access, an Oakland-based medical marijuana advocacy group, said that 
it is too early to decide whether the increased numbers of cities 
passing moratoriums will benefit cannabis dispensaries.

"The moratoriums themselves are not a problem if they serve as 
stepping stones to regulations," Duncan said. "What is a problem is 
if they are being used as a stalling tactic."

Duncan said he hopes the moratoriums will lead to regulations, such 
as requiring security guards, limiting use near sensitive facilities, 
such as schools, and limiting hours of operation.

He added that it is important the dispensaries are given a fair shake.

"It is most important that they exist for the people that need it, 
and that they are given a safe and reliable place to get it," Duncan said.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom