Pubdate: Sun, 24 May 2015 Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Copyright: 2015 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 MARIN PROPOSES TOUGH ORDINANCE ABOUT MEDICAL MARIJUANA SAN RAFAEL (TNS) - An ordinance allowing up to three not-for-profit medical marijuana facilities in Marin's unincorporated areas is under consideration by county officials, but it imposes so much red tape that only those who could comply with rigorous restrictions would qualify. A top Marin medical marijuana attorney called the tentative proposal a step in the right direction, but several entrepreneurs in the medical marijuana "delivery" business called it far too restrictive. "This is just the county's way of doing nothing," because no one would be able to qualify, a San Rafael marijuana purveyor said, speaking on condition his name not be used. Supervisor Damon Connolly said "the timing is right" and past due for such an ordinance, noting 20 years after California voters approved it, "we still do not have the tools in Marin County to ensure that medical marijuana is distributed responsibly." Connolly said the measure is similar to others across the state and is "intentionally strict, and is designed to provide the county all the tools needed to select the best operator and provide the safest access to patients, while ensuring minimal impact on neighboring communities." He said, "We know of many who are interested in applying for a license." A "talking points" memo circulated by the county to bring various officials up to speed on the proposal reports: "Currently there is no city or county location where a dispensary could legally exist in Marin County, although state law was passed in 1996 that allows local jurisdictions to provide for locations for medical marijuana collectives and dispensaries." Although a number of delivery services with names such as "Better Buds," "Golden State Flower House," "Tam Coalition," "Remedies" and "Delta II Delivery" operate under the radar in the county, retail dispensaries were shut down several years ago by local authorities or, in the case of the pioneering Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana, forced to close by federal agencies including the IRS. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom