Pubdate: Wed, 24 Aug 2011 Source: Daily News, The (Longview, WA) Copyright: 2011 The Daily News Contact: http://www.tdn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2621 Author: Amy M.E. Fischer Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) HEARING DRAWS BOTH SIDES OF POT DEBATE CASTLE ROCK - The Castle Rock City Council heard from cancer patients who want easier access to marijuana's medicinal effects Wednesdy evening, as well as from residents who oppose the state's new law legalizing collective gardens for groups of cannabis growers. The council's public hearing was about establishing zoning for medical marijuana gardens. It was required because the council had no time for public testimony before it enacted emergency zoning regulations last month in preparation for the July 22 legalization of the gardens. The interim zoning expires Jan. 10 unless the city takes action. Without the rules, gardens containing as many as 45 marijuana plants would be allowed anywhere. About 65 people showed up for Wednesday's hearing in the sweltering Castle Rock Elementary School cafeteria. Medical marijuana advocates and marijuana opponents all agreed that marijuana should be kept away from children, but, other than that, marijuana advocates primarily talked about how use of the drug relieves pain, stimulates the appetite and even heals. "I don't think patients should become criminals," said Sherri Roberts, a recent high school graduate who lost an eye to cancer. Guiding the young woman to the podium was Diana Johnson, a former Kelso City Council member. "She can't grow her own, and she needs the help of these people," Johnson said. A handful of marijuana opponents - who reminded everyone that marijuana remains illegal under federal law - grudgingly said if the gardens must be legal in Washington, they should be far from schools and churches. Police Chaplain Steve White, who lives in Castle Rock, thanked the council for being willing to draw up zoning ordinances and restrictions for the gardens. The city should try to prevent young people from being attracted to drugs, he said. "If I had my way, we wouldn't be here at all tonight because there would be no medical marijuana law in the first place," White said. "If we can't not have it at all, I want to see our city protected as much as we can do." One man said having the conversation about zoning for medical marijuana gardens "really irritates me because it's against federal law." He felt his rights were being infringed upon because his kids "will see this garbage." "I came to this community because I thought it was a good, wholesome community to raise my kids," said the man, who said he lives on Pleasant Hill Road. "If I had know this was going to happen, I would've bought a different house." A couple of women pointed out it's up to parents to set their children on the right path and teach them to make good choices. "I raised my children here. None of them are on drugs," one medical marijuana patient said. Castle Rock's emergency rules restrict collective gardens to two "highway business district" areas near Interstate 5. Most of the land is east of the highway and away from the city's downtown and residential core. The council also set a number of restrictions, including the state provision that collective gardens are limited to 10 participating patients and no more than 45 plants. The City Council will take action Sept. 12 to either keep the emergency zoning rules or abandon them. The city Planning Commission will draft the city's final ordinances, which, if the council takes that course, would be presented for formal adoption in December, according to City Attorney Frank Randolph. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom