Pubdate: Mon, 30 Nov 2015
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2015 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Author: Hannah Fry

NEWPORT BANS MARIJUANA OUTLETS

The Ordinance Is in Reaction to Regulatory Act Signed by Brown.

Bricks-and-mortar marijuana dispensaries and delivery services are 
now illegal in Newport Beach.

Despite some protests, the City Council approved an ordinance last 
week banning the cultivation, processing, distribution and delivery 
of medical cannabis in Newport Beach.

The ordinance was in response to the state's Medical Marijuana 
Regulation and Safety Act, which Gov. Jerry Brown signed into law 
Oct. 9. The act, which becomes effective Jan. 1, will create 
California's first statewide licensing and operating rules for pot 
growers, manufacturers of cannabis products and retail outlets since 
state voters legalized medical marijuana nearly 20 years ago.

The act also states that unless cities take immediate action to enact 
rules or bans for medical marijuana in their jurisdictions, the state 
will become the sole authority for licensing and regulation.

Newport Beach's municipal code previously did not address medical 
marijuana, though dispensaries have not been allowed to operate in 
the city, according to City Manager Dave Kiff. Though there are no 
brick-and-mortar pot dispensaries operating in Newport Beach, several 
online services say they deliver marijuana to people in the city, 
according to an Internet search.

Frank Moreno, chief executive of MJIC, a Newport Beach cannabis 
investment firm, asked the council to reconsider banning marijuana 
delivery services as part of the ordinance.

"I know for a fact there are thousands of residents who hold medical 
marijuana cards," he said, "many of whom are unable to travel to get 
safe access to quality medical marijuana."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom