Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jul 2012
Source: Daily News, The (Longview, WA)
Copyright: 2012 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.tdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2621
Author: Marqise Allen

WOODLAND COUNCIL AGAIN WRESTLES WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA POLICIES

The Woodland City Council on Monday killed a zoning proposal to 
control where collective medical marijuana gardens and dispensaries 
could be located.

Council members said they didn't want to regulate an activity that 
remains illegal under federal law, even if it is permissible under state rules.

"I'm personally not comfortable with making it possible to do 
something that's legal in our state and not legal federally," 
Councilwoman Marilee McCall said. "I'd like to have a longer time 
line to see what's going to happen with the conflict between state 
and federal law."

Council members rejected the zoning proposal 5-1 and discussed 
extending a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana gardens and 
dispensaries. The council adopted the moratorium in January, hoping 
the Legislature would clarify the legal situation. It didn't.

The situation could become even more complex if voters in November 
approve a statewide initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use.

Councilman Al Swindell was the lone dissenting vote Monday night.

"We can't just keep continuing to do six-month moratoriums because 
we'd be at risk for being sued for stopping someone that's doing 
something legal in the state of Washington," he said.

Councilman Benjamin Fredricks suggested the city consider banning 
collective gardens entirely.

However, City Attorney William Ehling advised against a ban because 
collective gardens are legal under state law. He recommended the city 
consider extending the moratorium and evaluate the legal situation as 
it evolves.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom