Pubdate: Tue, 07 Apr 2009
Source: San Jose Mercury News (CA)
Copyright: 2009 San Jose Mercury News
Contact:  http://www.mercurynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/390
Author: Jessica Bernstein-Wax
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?161 (Cannabis - Regulation)
Cited: Americans for Safe Access http://safeaccessnow.org/

SAN MATEO COUNCIL PASSES MEDICAL MARIJUANA ORDINANCE

The San Mateo City Council on Monday unanimously approved adding an 
ordinance that regulates the cultivation and storage of medical 
marijuana to its municipal code.

Following city procedure, the law will go into effect in 30 days 
after the council voted 4-0 in its favor. Council Member Fred Hansson 
was absent Monday but voted for the measure with his colleagues at 
the council's last meeting.

Under the ordinance, collectives of patients and their caregivers who 
grow and store medical pot must register with the city and obtain a 
license from the police department, with all members providing their 
names, addresses and phone numbers. Licensed collectives must be 
located only in the city's manufacturing and commercial zones at 
least 500 feet from schools, recreation and youth centers.

The ordinance states that collective members must grow marijuana 
indoors and provide adequate security. San Mateo residents who grow 
marijuana at home for their own use, or for other people living at 
the house, are not subject to these rules.

Last month, Americans for Safe Access spokesman Kris Hermes 
criticized the ordinance for requiring registration, which he said 
could imperil patients.

However, some patients involved in collectives have said they prefer 
to grow pot in cities with clear rules.

In 1996, Californians passed an initiative allowing seriously ill 
people to grow and use marijuana with a doctor's recommendation. 
Under the measure, the patients' caregivers could also cultivate and 
possess the substance.

A 2004 California Senate bill established a voluntary registration 
program with identification cards for patients and caregivers.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom