Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jun 2009
Source: Contra Costa Times (CA)
Copyright: 2009 Knight Ridder
Contact:  http://www.contracostatimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/96
Author: Joe Nelson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SUPERVISORS OK MEDICAL MARIJUANA PLAN

Final Score: Medical Marijuana 5, San Bernardino County Supervisors 0.

But despite their victory Tuesday, the medical marijuana proponents 
are still angry because it will be almost two months or perhaps 
longer before the county begins issuing identification cards to 
people with doctors' prescriptions.

"Our concern is seeing that the medicine gets out to our patients," 
said Ron Downey, a proponent who spoke at Tuesday's board meeting. A 
half-dozen others also spoke.

That's how the years-long duel ended, with the supervisors voting 
unanimously to implement a medical marijuana identification card program.

The proposed ordinance authorizing the program will go before the 
board again on July 14 for adoption, and the program should be in 
full swing 30 days after that, on Aug. 14.

If all goes according to plan, that's when patients can start 
submitting applications for identification cards, said Lynne Fischer, 
county spokeswoman.

The board also imposed a temporary ban on dispensaries until the 
county's development code can be updated to include provisions and 
design standards for them.

"That doesn't prohibit them (patients) from the other options they 
have under the law," Fischer said.

For further information, contact the San Bernardino County Public 
Health Department at (800) 782-4264. Applications will be distributed 
by appointment only.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom