Pubdate: Fri, 01 Jun 2012
Source: Press Democrat, The (Santa Rosa, CA)
Copyright: 2012 The Press Democrat
Contact:  http://www.pressdemocrat.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/348

LAKE COUNTY POT MEASURE FIXES NOTHING

There's no denying the popularity of medical marijuana, with thousands
of clubs, dispensaries and co-ops selling pot throughout California.

There's also no denying that the conflict between state and federal
law remains a legal and regulatory nightmare nearly two decades after
Golden State voters approved Proposition 215, the nation's first
medical marijuana law.

And there's no denying that Lake County's Measure D, which would grant
special rights to medical marijuana growers, would add yet another
layer of haze to a conflict that needs to be reconciled before anyone
can effectively chart the future of the marijuana business.

In Tuesday's primary election, The Press Democrat recommends a no vote
on Measure D in Lake County.

This grower-backed initiative isn't a referendum on doctor-recommended
medical marijuana, which is supported by 80 percent of California
voters, according to a USC-Los Angeles Times poll published on
Thursday. Rather, Measure D is an attempt to give pot growers carte
blanche in Lake County. If it passes, you can expect to see similar
initiatives elsewhere.

The sponsors say they want medical marijuana growers to have the same
protections as other agricultural operations under Lake County's
right-to-farm ordinance. But, as traditional farmers and environmental
groups such as the Sierra Club point out, this initiative goes much
further.

Measure D would give pot growers more protection than any other
farmers enjoy. If it passes, the county would be unable to enforce
erosion control, pesticide use or grading ordinances on marijuana
farms. Moreover, it would override zoning codes, allowing cultivation
in residential areas where farming isn't permitted.

"They want the shield of farming, but they don't want to have to play
by the rules," Dave Rosenthal, an officer of the Lake County Farm
Bureau, said.

Rosenthal hit on the biggest problem with the marijuana business in
California: the rules or, more specifically, the inability to
establish any rules.

Cities and counties are struggling to deal with the proliferation of
dispensaries, and courts have issued conflicting directions. Since
last fall, the federal government has been threatening to use asset
forfeiture laws to target property owners who rent to dispensary
operators and warning cities and counties not to issue permits that
sanction medical marijuana sales.

Instead of addressing the conflict, marijuana advocates are pushing
Measure D. Meanwhile, a bill pending in Sacramento purports to
establish a statewide regulatory system, and recreational users are
seeking another legalization vote.

The clash between state and federal law presents a political
challenge, but at least six North Coast congressional candidates favor
full legalization, and all 10 have criticized the federal crackdown on
medical marijuana dispensaries. Rep. Mike Thompson, who represents
most of Lake County, favors medical use, and two governors have asked
Congress to act, showing the potential for compromise.

If advocates are serious about ensuring that marijuana is available to
people with serious illnesses, they should be pushing Congress, not
self-serving initiatives. The Press Democrat recommends a no vote on
Measure D in Lake County.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Matt