Pubdate: Wed, 17 Feb 2016 Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Copyright: 2016 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.utsandiego.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386 Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area. Author: Allison Sampite-Montecalvo RESIDENT WANTS MEDICAL POT SHOPS ON BALLOT CHULA VISTA - Chula Vista could see a special election this year with an opportunity to repeal a ban on medicinal marijuana dispensaries if a petition supporting them receives enough signatures. Chula Vista resident Larry Ozuna is trying to gather signatures in support of an initiative that would allow for up to six regulated dispensaries in the city. Because Ozuna requested a special election, he will need to gather about 15,000 signatures by May 30, according to the City Clerk's Office. City code prohibits medical marijuana dispensaries from operating but allows for its distribution at state-licensed health facilities within the city. In a notice of intent to circulate the petition, Ozuna calls the city's policy on medical marijuana "an abject failure." "This legislation does what the city's policy has failed to do over the last four years. It restricts both the number and location of dispensaries within the city, while providing the city with much-needed revenue," he said. Ozuna said that although bans sound good, they do little. "The only effective policy to limit the spread of illegal dispensaries has been to provide robust zoning regulations and force the illegal dispensaries to compete against lawful dispensaries." Ozuna believes that allowing regulated marijuana dispensaries would enable Chula Vista to rid itself of those operating illegally in the city. Despite the ban, 10 marijuana dispensaries operate illegally in the city, according to information provided by the City Attorney's Office. The city filed a lawsuit Jan. 21 against three dispensaries that have been operating between six months and two years at 206, 210 and 212 Broadway. If Ozuna's measure makes it onto the ballot, it would allow dispensaries to sell marijuana on-site and by delivery to qualified patients and their caregivers within the city limits. These dispensaries would be allowed within the city's commercial thoroughfare zones that are 1 acre or larger. They wouldn't be allowed within 1,000 feet of schools or other dispensaries or within 500 feet of parks or residences. One caveat to distance restrictions includes that a dispensary would not have to relocate if a school, park or residence locates within those distances after a dispensary was in place. Under the measure, the city could only deny a permit for a marijuana dispensary if the applicant is under 18, does not pay the permit filing fee, or provides insufficient, false or misleading information to the city, or the dispensary does not conform to city codes or zoning. Federal law could not be used as a basis for suspension but would allow the city to revoke a permit if a dispensary's permit is suspended three times within 12 months. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom