Pubdate: Mon, 01 Jun 2015
Source: Sun, The (Yuma, AZ)
Copyright: 2015 The Sun
Contact: http://www.yumasun.com/sections/opinion/submit-letters/
Website: http://www.yumasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1258
Author: Cesar Neyoy, Bajo El Sol

MEDICAL POT SHOP EYED IN SAN LUIS

SAN LUIS, Ariz. - A medical marijuana dispensary is seeking the 
city's approval to grow and sell medicinal pot in San Luis, and 
residents will get a chance Tuesday to ask questions and speak out 
about the proposal.

The city has been asked to approve two conditional use permits, one 
to allow the dispensary to open its doors in downtown, at 708 N. 
Archibald St., and a second to allow cultivation of the marijuana on 
industrial property at 2801 N. Main St. The name of the permit 
applicant was not immediately available from city officials.

The San Luis Planning and Zoning Commission is scheduled at its June 
6 meeting to consider making a recommendation to the City Council on 
whether to grant the permits.

But first residents will have a chance to find out about the 
dispensary and to offer comments on Tuesday, at a scheduled forum at 
7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1090 E. Union St.

Two city councilmen want the public to know that while they don't 
necessary want the dispensary to come to San Luis, they can't keep it 
out if it meets the city's zoning codes.

"It's something that we as a council or (city) administration can't 
prevent," said Councilman Matias Rosales. "We only have to ensure 
that it meets the city's regulations. We hope the people understand 
that is something that was approved throughout the state."

Rosales was referring to voter approval of a 2010 ballot proposed 
that allows physician-prescribed marijuana for medicinal use.

Councilman Ruben Walshe said he would just as soon see the dispensary 
go elsewhere.

"Personally, I don't like the idea of a business of that type coming 
here," he said. "I know we're talking about medicinal marijuana that 
is controlled by very strict regulations, but I don't see it as a 
positive message to the community.

"The only thing under the council's control is making sure that the 
place where they propose to put it meets the city's standards," 
Walshe added. "Dispensaries were approved by the voters. I would 
prefer that we not be perceived as supporting it as a council."

According to the Arizona Department of Health Services, last year 
there 767 patients in Yuma County who were registered to be able to 
obtain marijuana for medicinal use.

The planning and zoning commission is due to consider the conditional 
use permits at its meeting that will begin at 7 p.m. June 6 in the 
council chambers.

The commission's recommendation then is scheduled to go to the 
council the following day. The council will be at 7 p.m. on June 7 in 
the council chambers.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom