Pubdate: Tue, 06 Feb 2007
Source: Monterey County Herald (CA)
Copyright: 2007 Monterey County Herald
Contact:  http://www.montereyherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/273
Author: Larry Parsons, Herald Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

MARINA MOVES TO BAN POT

Critics Fear Complications From Clinics

The city of Marina is poised to become the first  jurisdiction in 
Monterey County to rule out medical  marijuana clinics.

The City Council today will consider zoning amendments  that would 
put a permanent ban on medical marijuana  dispensaries in the city codebook.

The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the  ban on 
marijuana clinics.

On Monday, Councilman Ken Gray said Marina is too small  a city to 
get caught up in the conflict between state  and federal laws on the 
medicinal use of marijuana.

"We just don't think the little city of Marina should  take on those 
national issues. Larger cities with  larger financial resources can 
address those issues,"  Gray said. "Marina is just not in a good 
position to  take on a challenge like that."

Though California law is generally supportive of the  medicinal use 
of marijuana, federal drug agents have  raided clinics in keeping 
with federal anti-marijuana  laws.

Gray said he hasn't heard any residents of Marina  speaking in favor 
of allowing marijuana clinics in the  city.

Both Marina and Seaside now have temporary moratoriums  in effect 
against such clinics -- actions prompted by  inquiries last year 
about the possibility of locating  them there.

City staff members say medical marijuana clinics  wouldn't promote 
Marina's general plan policies. The  clinics wouldn't generate sale 
taxes and could prevent  tax-generating businesses from finding space 
in the  city.

If the council approves the recommendation, final  approval of zoning 
changes would come Feb. 20, and the  ban would take effect 30 days after that.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman