Pubdate: Wed, 08 May 2013 Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Copyright: 2013 Appeal-Democrat Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343 Author: Griffin Rogers YUBA CITY PASSES POT RULES ON 3-2 VOTE Medical marijuana growers face permanent restrictions in Yuba City, following a split vote at Tuesday's City Council meeting to adopt a cultivation ordinance to the municipal code. The regulations have been in effect since March 2012 on a temporary basis to allow city staff to make tweaks along the way. On Tuesday, the standards became permanent when council members approved them on a 3-2 vote. Council member Tej Maan said the ordinance seems to be a win-win for both sides. "I think it's working," he said. Under the restrictions, people growing medical marijuana in their homes must register with the city and trim their plants out of public view. They are also required to install security fences and carbon infiltration systems to reduce the smell. Mayor John Buckland said the city's new medical marijuana directive is already considered to be a model ordinance for other jurisdictions and that the ordinance is a "good document." Buckland, Maan and Kash Gill voted to approve the amendment. John Dukes and Craig Starkey voted against it. Several Yuba City residents addressed the council before the vote, including cancer patient Jim Burris. Burris has been using medical marijuana in Yuba City for the past five years. He has a number of medical issues, which are tempered by the use of marijuana. Burris supported the ordinance because it still allows him to grow in his home. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt