Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jul 2013
Source: Reporter, The (Vacaville, CA)
Copyright: 2013 The Reporter
Contact:  http://www.thereporter.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/472
Author: Melissa Murphy

SOLANO COUNTY LEADERS BAN MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES FOR ONE YEAR

Poised to completely ban medical marijuana dispensaries from
unincorporated regions of Solano County, the Board of Supervisors is
now leaning in a different direction.

Since 2011, supervisors and county staff have walked a thin line
trying to come up with the best way to handle dispensaries setting up
shop in the rural parts of the county. The federal government bans the
use of marijuana, while California grants exceptions for medicinal
use, creating a dilemma for communities across the state. The Solano
County Planning Commission previously looked at the issue but did not
submit a formal recommendation to supervisors since its vote was split
2 to 2, with one commissioner absent.

On Tuesday, supervisors voted unanimously to approve a ban on medical
marijuana dispensaries, but just for one year. Staff was directed to
use that time to come back to the board with a "regulatory framework"
for allowing dispensaries on rural Solano County lands.

County staffers explained that the county can regulate the land use
without regulating the product or the selling of medical marijuana.
That would mean that primary caregivers could still prescribe medical
marijuana to their patients for use in their homes.

Even so, Supervisor Erin Hannigan said that a complete ban shouldn't
be considered, but that the board should create a regulatory framework
so that dispensaries can exist in the unincorporated parts of the county.

Hannigan added that she needed to remain consistent with decisions she
made while serving on the Vallejo City Council, which approved medical
marijuana dispensaries and receives sales tax from such
establishments.

She did, however, admit that it's not a great example for regulating
medical marijuana dispensaries, because there aren't
regulations.

Hannigan said the lack of regulation in Vallejo has caused
"mayhem."

Supervisor Jim Spering opposed regulations, saying instead that
dispensaries should be banned in the rural parts of the county.

"It just doesn't make sense to have all these around the cities that
don't want it in the community," he said, noting that other cities in
the county have barred the dispensaries. He noted that since the city
government represents 96 percent of the population in Solano County
and should, therefore, decide the matter.

Supervisor Linda Seifert said she couldn't support prohibiting the
dispensaries, but could support creating a "regulatory environment"
that protects the public.

County Administrator Birgitta Corsello said county staff merely moved
forward on the ban recommendation at the direction of the previous
board. She added that the locations zoned for medical marijuana
dispensaries are little pockets right outside of the cities, including
Dixon and Vacaville, which have banned medical marijuana dispensaries
in their city limits.

"Neighboring communities will be upset," she said.

Seifert noted that the last time the board directed staff on the ban
of dispensaries was a year ago -- before Hannigan and Supervisor Skip
Thomson were elected to the board.

Hannigan added that regulatory framework should include specific
locations, proximity to other dispensaries, a proposed fee schedule,
and performance standards that include hours of operation, and
proximity to sensitive sites, such as schools.

Bill Emlen, director of Resource Management, said staff will likely
hold outreach meetings for the public to inform them and receive
feedback about the potential of medical marijuana dispensaries opening
near them.
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MAP posted-by: Matt