Pubdate: Thu, 28 May 2009
Source: Desert Sun, The (Palm Springs, CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Desert Sun
Contact: http://local2.thedesertsun.com/mailer/opinionwrap.php
Website: http://www.mydesert.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1112
Note: Does not accept LTEs from outside circulation area.
Author: Rasha Aly
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries

COUNCIL VOTE ADVANCES BAN ON POT DISPENSARIES

The City Council's second reading of an ordinance  banning medical
marijuana dispensaries in the city  prompted at least one resident to
loudly express his  disappointment Wednesday night.

"Shame on you," Randy Whiting of Cathedral City said as  he left the
council meeting, after hearing council  members pass the second
reading with a 3 to 2 vote.

Whiting spoke earlier in the meeting, defending the use  of medical
marijuana.

"It's time to make it available," he said. "It's to do  something for
the benefit of everyone."

The ordinance declares establishing, maintaining or  operating a
medical marijuana dispensary is a "public  nuisance" and an "unlawful
use" in Cathedral City.

Council members also on Wednesday voted 3 to 2 on the  first reading
of a companion ordinance which bans  medical marijuana dispensaries in
any city zone.

Councilmen Greg Pettis and Paul Marchand voted against  both
ordinances.

Marchand said banning medical marijuana dispensaries in  the city will
drive people to buy marijuana  underground.

"It will not be relegated. It will not be safe," said  Marchand, who
added that the council was writing off  those who would like to buy
their medicinal marijuana  safely.

However, Mayor Pro Tem Charles "Bud" England pointed  out that
residents can go to Palm Springs to buy  medical marijuana. The Palm
Springs City Council  recently voted to allow two medical marijuana
collectives to operate as licensed facilities. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake