Pubdate: Mon, 11 Apr 2016 Source: Orange County Register, The (CA) Copyright: 2016 The Orange County Register Contact: http://www.ocregister.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/321 FURTHER ALONG PATH OF LEGAL POT The Santa Ana City Council took some sizable steps forward last week as the council heard first readings of a number of proposed changes to its medical marijuana legalization effort that will hopefully speed up the process and bring much needed security to dispensaries. "City Council members ... directed staff to modify deadlines for submitting regulatory safety permits to open pot shops, removed the requirement that security guards be unarmed and prohibited individuals with drug convictions from obtaining permits," the Register reported. As we previously noted, Santa Ana has been proactive in creating a framework for selling medical marijuana, and likely for recreational sales should one of a dozen proposed ballot initiatives legalizing marijuana outright win on the November ballot. Opening legal dispensaries in the city has taken far too long. "Since the 20 lottery winners were drawn in February 2015, 10 have been granted safety permits and are operating, six have applied for permits and are in the process, two have contacted the city with interest in applying, and two have not contacted the city," the Register reported, citing a staff report. The deadlines for permits hopefully will add some impetus behind getting those final legal dispensaries open, and bringing in revenue that helps the city close the few remaining illegal operators. It also solves a lingering question of the lottery process: What happens if a winner, for one reason or another, can't or won't open? In such cases, those who did not win the city's permit lottery will get a chance at opening a legal business. Also, as we've long said, allowing armed guards is a must. Medical marijuana dispensaries are a legally permissible business, and they, much like any other business with valuable, highly coveted inventory, like dealers in precious metals and coins, jewelry stores and banks, the safety of clientele and employees should be paramount, so its trained security guards should be armed. We're pleased to see the Santa Ana council continue to fine-tune the legalization process in a way agreeable to the city's residents. Hopefully, they prove a model. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom