Ron Strider
Well-Known Member
A divided City Council asked the city attorney Tuesday to prepare an ordinance allowing the sale of marijuana for adult recreational use in Long Beach – six or seven months from now.
California voters approved use of marijuana recreationally last November, and state regulations go into effect on Jan. 1. Cities can ban sale within its borders or regulate that sale.
Also in November, Long Beach voters approved sale of medical marijuana in 32 dispensaries in the city, and to tax both medical and recreational pot.
Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price, who has fought selling marijuana in the city, made a motion to make recreational marijuana illegal in Long Beach. She said she wanted all 32 medical dispensaries in operation and have the city evaluate that impact before acting on recreational marijuana.
But First District Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez offered a substitute motion allowing sale of recreational marijuana. Then Ninth District Councilman Rex Richardson made a final motion to have the city attorney prepare an ordinance governing sale, but to put a hold on any sales until the ordinance is ready – up to 180 days after Jan. 1.
Richardson said he preferred to have the city set its own regulations rather than see another ballot issue like the one that approved medical marijuana dispensaries.
Richardson's motion passed 5-3, with Price, Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw and Fifth District Councilwoman Stacy Mungo voting no. Eighth District Councilman Al Austin was absent for the vote.
The ban until a regulatory ordinance is ready should come to the council in December.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Long Beach Council Takes Step Toward Recreational Marijuana Sales | News | gazettes.com
Author: Harry Saltzgaver
Contact: Contact Us | Contact Us | gazettes.com
Photo Credit: Bloximages
Website: gazettes.com | Long Beach's Favorite Community Website
California voters approved use of marijuana recreationally last November, and state regulations go into effect on Jan. 1. Cities can ban sale within its borders or regulate that sale.
Also in November, Long Beach voters approved sale of medical marijuana in 32 dispensaries in the city, and to tax both medical and recreational pot.
Third District Councilwoman Suzie Price, who has fought selling marijuana in the city, made a motion to make recreational marijuana illegal in Long Beach. She said she wanted all 32 medical dispensaries in operation and have the city evaluate that impact before acting on recreational marijuana.
But First District Councilwoman Lena Gonzalez offered a substitute motion allowing sale of recreational marijuana. Then Ninth District Councilman Rex Richardson made a final motion to have the city attorney prepare an ordinance governing sale, but to put a hold on any sales until the ordinance is ready – up to 180 days after Jan. 1.
Richardson said he preferred to have the city set its own regulations rather than see another ballot issue like the one that approved medical marijuana dispensaries.
Richardson's motion passed 5-3, with Price, Fourth District Councilman Daryl Supernaw and Fifth District Councilwoman Stacy Mungo voting no. Eighth District Councilman Al Austin was absent for the vote.
The ban until a regulatory ordinance is ready should come to the council in December.
News Moderator: Ron Strider 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Long Beach Council Takes Step Toward Recreational Marijuana Sales | News | gazettes.com
Author: Harry Saltzgaver
Contact: Contact Us | Contact Us | gazettes.com
Photo Credit: Bloximages
Website: gazettes.com | Long Beach's Favorite Community Website
