Pubdate: Sat, 21 Dec 2013 Source: Hi-Desert Star (Yucca Valley, CA) Copyright: 2013 Hi Desert Star Contact: http://www.hidesertstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3921 Author: Courtney Vaughn TOWN COUNCIL URGED TO RECONSIDER POT BAN YUCCA VALLEY - Medical marijuana advocates pleaded with the Town Council Tuesday, Dec. 17, to reopen the Morongo Basin's only medical marijuana dispensary. California Alternative Medicinal Solutions was the last one standing earlier this month, until a sunset clause kicked in and the dispensary had to close its storefront. The dispensary was permitted in 2008. The Yucca Valley Town Council voted in 2010 to prohibit dispensaries in town, but allowed CAMS to wind down its operations over a few years. CAMS was given until December of this year to shut down its operations. "I've been closed now for about 10 days," CAMS Director Brian Nicholson said. "I see patients everywhere. I have everyone telling me they're in pain. They're hurting. I really need you to revisit this. I operated for three years without any issues." CAMS was first opened in the Monterey Business Center but was pressured to relocate after a children's dance studio opened in the business center. It gad operated out of a quiet storefront on Wamego Trail since 2010. The council voted 3-2 last month, with Councilmen Bob Leone and Robert Lombardo opposed, to end the permit for the dispensary. San Bernardino County prohibits dispensaries in unincorporated areas. County codes also prevent patients from growing marijuana outside. Some residents who spoke Tuesday said the council made its decision without considering the needs of local patients. Yucca Valley resident Bonnie Brady asked the council to reconsider some of the "fear tactics" that she said led to its decision last month not to extend the permit for CAMS. "I see all of this as being basically political," Brady said. "The pendulum swings from one way to another. The pendulum, at this time, is swinging toward making medical marijuana more affordable and easily available to those who need it." Lanny Swerdlow, founder of the Marijuana Anti-Prohibition Project, suggested Yucca Valley consider adopting an ordinance to allow a limited number of dispensaries the way Palm Springs did, and impose a tax on medical marijuana. Others shared their personal medical struggles and testified about the benefits of pain relief they found through marijuana. Nicholson said by phone Friday that the average age of his patients at CAMS was around 60 years old. "These people are on these pain medications for the rest of their life, so that's why they turn to alternative medicine," Nicholson said. "We were great for three years. There was never an issue." The topic wasn't on Tuesday's agenda, so the council couldn't discuss it. Advocates like Nicholson say they hope the council will consider putting the item back on an agenda for consideration of a new ordinance. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom