Pubdate: Wed, 29 Aug 2007
Source: Orange County Register, The (CA)
Copyright: 2007 The Orange County Register
Contact:  http://www.ocregister.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/321
Author: Alejandra Molina, the Orange County Register
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

LAGUNA HILLS INTRODUCES MEDICAL MARIJUANA BAN

The Proposed Law Would Ban All Uses That Are Inconsistent With State 
and Federal Law.

LAGUNA HILLS - The city of Laguna Hills is moving to make permanent a 
ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

The City Council on Tuesday on a 5-0 vote approved introduction of 
the ordinance. A previously adopted interim urgency ordinance that 
banned medical marijuana dispensaries will expire Oct. 24, said City 
Attorney Gregory Simonian.

No further extension of the interim urgency ordinance is allowed by state law.

California voters have approved the use of medical marijuana, but 
possession is still prohibited under federal law.

With the legal uncertainties and concerns that medical marijuana 
dispensaries might lead to loitering or crime, city staff has 
recommended that the council adopt the proposed ordinance. It 
prohibits any land use that would be illegal under state or federal law.

Simonian said the city's stance on marijuana dispensaries is no 
different than what other cities like Orange are doing. They, too, 
ban uses that are inconsistent with either state or federal law.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the next regular 
City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at City Hall, 24035 El Toro Road. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake