H.B. City Council To Discuss Medical Marijuana Ban

Smokin Moose

Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex Moderator
Council Members Will Hold a Public Hearing Monday Night on a Proposal to Ban Medical Marijuana Dispensaries From the City.

HUNTINGTON BEACH - The City Council will consider an ordinance Monday night that would ultimately ban medical marijuana dispensaries from opening in the city.

This comes after the Planning Commission's September vote in favor of being consistent with federal law, which considers medical marijuana dispensaries illegal. Now it's up to the council to make a final decision after a hearing in which residents can voice their thoughts.

""This is about sick people wanting to stay within the law, and be able to use a potent and effective God-given medicine without being considered criminals," said Craig Marshall, a 55-year-old resident of Huntington Beach who has contacted the city about the issue.

The city has no medical marijuana dispensaries. An application for one in 2005 never panned out.

The City Council voted in 2005 to permit medical marijuana dispensaries in specified locations to comply with the state's Compassionate Use Act, which allowed people to use medical marijuana in California.

At the time, a U.S. Supreme Court decision was pending on the state act's relationship to the Federal Controlled Substances Act. In June of that year, the court upheld the federal act.

A month after that decision, Mayor Gil Coerper asked the council to reverse the city's law.

A representative from Compassionate Caregivers on Behalf of Medical Marijuana Patients has said the dispensaries could bring the city more than $100,000 a month in revenue.

Other cities considering the ban include Fountain Valley, Fullerton, Newport Beach, Seal Beach and Cypress.

Source: Orange County Register, The (CA)
Copyright: 2007 The Orange County Register
Contact: letters@ocregister.com
Website: The Orange County Register
 
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