Jacob Redmond
Well-Known Member
Indio leaders are looking into whether to allow medical marijuana dispensaries to open in the city.
Officials have created an ad hoc committee to research what role the city could play when it comes to permitting dispensaries and regulating sales.
The decision came after City Attorney Roxanne Diaz gave a presentation updating council members on other cities' legal battles and pending state legislation.
"We need to fully understand all the issues related to medical marijuana facilities before the state passes any legislation, so that we may consider any city ordinance that might also address these facilities," Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson said.
The committee, which includes council members Mike Wilson and Elaine Holmes, will travel to areas that allow the dispensing and cultivation of medicinal pot to understand the effect it has on communities.
They are expected to compile recommendations within three months.
If Indio decides to allow medical pot to be sold within city limits, it will become only the fourth Coachella Valley community to make the move.
Three other cities in the west valley - Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs - have moved forward with city ordinances allowing medical marijuana dispensaries.
Annual revenue for these type of businesses can easily range in the millions and can provide a much needed boost to the local economy.
Dispensaries are currently banned in Indio.
The future of marijuana in California remains a point of debate, with voters in 2016 expected to see a ballot measure that would legalize the drug for recreational use.
Indio leaders also are mindful of Assembly Bill 266, legislation that state lawmakers are considering to establish health standards and provide a balance between state and local interests during the permitting process.
"The council desires to take a proactive approach towards the issue in light of possible state legislation," Diaz said in an email to The Desert Sun.
"We want to stay ahead of the curve instead of being reactive to state legislation, with the goal of curtailing potential impacts that may occur if the state legislation is adopted."
Mayor Pro Tem Glenn Miller echoed the position.
"If it is going to come, we want to be prepared," he said.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Indio considers regulating medical marijuana
Author: Paulina Rojas
Contact: Contact Us | The Desert Sun
Photo Credit: Jacob Sullum
Website: The Desert Sun | Palm Springs and Coachella Valley news | DesertSun.com
Officials have created an ad hoc committee to research what role the city could play when it comes to permitting dispensaries and regulating sales.
The decision came after City Attorney Roxanne Diaz gave a presentation updating council members on other cities' legal battles and pending state legislation.
"We need to fully understand all the issues related to medical marijuana facilities before the state passes any legislation, so that we may consider any city ordinance that might also address these facilities," Mayor Lupe Ramos Watson said.
The committee, which includes council members Mike Wilson and Elaine Holmes, will travel to areas that allow the dispensing and cultivation of medicinal pot to understand the effect it has on communities.
They are expected to compile recommendations within three months.
If Indio decides to allow medical pot to be sold within city limits, it will become only the fourth Coachella Valley community to make the move.
Three other cities in the west valley - Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Desert Hot Springs - have moved forward with city ordinances allowing medical marijuana dispensaries.
Annual revenue for these type of businesses can easily range in the millions and can provide a much needed boost to the local economy.
Dispensaries are currently banned in Indio.
The future of marijuana in California remains a point of debate, with voters in 2016 expected to see a ballot measure that would legalize the drug for recreational use.
Indio leaders also are mindful of Assembly Bill 266, legislation that state lawmakers are considering to establish health standards and provide a balance between state and local interests during the permitting process.
"The council desires to take a proactive approach towards the issue in light of possible state legislation," Diaz said in an email to The Desert Sun.
"We want to stay ahead of the curve instead of being reactive to state legislation, with the goal of curtailing potential impacts that may occur if the state legislation is adopted."
Mayor Pro Tem Glenn Miller echoed the position.
"If it is going to come, we want to be prepared," he said.
News Moderator: Jacob Redmond 420 MAGAZINE ®
Full Article: Indio considers regulating medical marijuana
Author: Paulina Rojas
Contact: Contact Us | The Desert Sun
Photo Credit: Jacob Sullum
Website: The Desert Sun | Palm Springs and Coachella Valley news | DesertSun.com
