Pubdate: Thu, 26 May 2005
Source: Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (CA)
Copyright: 2005 Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Contact: http://www.dailybulletin.com/Stories/0,1413,203%257E23145%257E,00.html
Website: http://www.dailybulletin.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/871
Author: Shirley Hsu
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

L.A. COUNTY CONSIDERS MARIJUANA ZONING LAWS

Medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles 
County could face regulations for the first time under a proposal submitted 
by Supervisor Don Knabe.

The Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on creating zoning regulations 
on marijuana dispensaries to ensure they do not have negative impacts on 
surrounding neighborhoods, Knabe said in a statement.

"It is imperative that these facilities not be located near homes or 
schools and that neighbors be notified of the intent to open such 
facilities," he said.

The action comes as two medical marijuana advocates seek to open a 
dispensary in the unincorporated community of Hacienda Heights.

A state law passed in 1996 protects patients who grow and use marijuana for 
medical purposes, but federal law prohibits the drug. In recent years, 
several California cities, including Ontario, have banned, passed 
moratoriums on, or enacted regulations on dispensaries.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman