Pubdate: Wed, 19 Dec 2012
Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA)
Copyright: 2012 Appeal-Democrat
Contact: 
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php
Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343
Author: Ben van der Meer

YUBA COUNTY SUPERVISORS SAY COMPLIANCE IS KEY ON MEDICAL POT

Now that Yuba County supervisors have amended a medical marijuana
growing ordinance to make it slightly less restrictive, the onus is on
those who grow it to fall in line, supervisors said.

Both supervisors John Nicoletti and Mary Jane Griego said it'll be up
to groups such as the Yuba County Growers Association to get
information out there before a small-scale farmer gets a knock on his
door from county code enforcement.

"The problem will not cure itself on the course it is now," Nicoletti
said, referring to low levels of compliance sheriff's deputies
encountered this year when they investigated growing operations.

RELATED STORY: Yuba County medical marijuana rules draw
critics.

Jeffrey Lake, an attorney who sued on behalf of the growers
association and other groups to stop the first version of the
ordinance, said the education effort has already begun.

A copy of the ordinance will be posted prominently on the
association's website, and members will be required to sign paperwork
saying they'll comply, Lake said.

One grower said she believes the county's good-faith effort will be
rewarded, adding she cut the amount she grew in half this year to fall
under the ordinance's limits.

"I know we caused you a lot of headaches and gray hairs," sad Kathie
Thelen of Browns Valley.

At least one supervisor, Roger Abe, said he fears other potential
consequences.

While Lake said it brought the county into compliance with state law,
Abe, who cast the lone dissenting vote, said he felt it went too far
beyond it. 
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