Pubdate: Mon, 5 May 2008 Source: Times-Standard (Eureka, CA) Copyright: 2008 MediaNews Group, Inc. Contact: http://www.times-standard.com/writealettertotheeditor Website: http://www.times-standard.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1051 Author: Donna Tam Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) COUNCIL TO LOOK AT TEMPORARY BAN ON NEW DISPENSARIES ARCATA -- City staff is asking the City Council to impose a temporary ban on the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries, citing the need for more time in developing zoning guidelines to regulate them. The ban will be among the discussion at the council's meeting Wednesday where it will also discuss the revision of land use codes, unmet transportation needs and set the dates for budget study sessions. In previous session, concerns were brought by residents about illegal grow houses and the need to regulate marijuana sales in general, according to staff reports. After reviewing appeals from The Humboldt Cooperative and Humboldt Medical Supply regarding the Planning Commission's decision to turn down an application for the building of a marijuana dispensary on I Street, the city raised concerns about categorizing dispensaries under certain zoning regulations. The staff is working toward meeting with one of the four established medical marijuana dispensaries to review the need in the area, as well as schedule public hearings before the Planning Commission in order to development land use guidelines that will regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, growing, and processing operations as well as grow houses. The temporary ban would last 45 days, but can be extended for up to 10 months and 15 days after pending notice and public hearings. After the first extension, the ban can be extended for up to a year. [sidebar] IF YOU GO: What: Arcata City Council meeting Where: City Hall, 736 F Street When: Wednesday, 6 p.m. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake