Pubdate: Sun, 23 Dec 2007
Source: Canyon News (Beverly Hills, CA)
Copyright: 2007 Canyon News
Contact:  http://www.canyon-news.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4092
Author: Sarin Kodchian
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/Proposition+215
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

DISPENSARIES BANNED IN BRENTWOOD

BRENTWOOD - Tuesday night, the Brentwood City Council unanimously 
approved a permanent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in the 
city. Police Capt. Brian Strock and Brentwood Planning Manager Heidi 
Klein made a presentation on the ordinance before the voting.

California voters approved Proposition 215 in 1996, making marijuana 
legal for medicinal purposes while possession of marijuana remains 
illegal under federal law. City code neither allows nor explicitly 
prevents the presence of such dispensaries in Brentwood. Just last 
year the city council approved a temporary ban pending investigation 
of negative impacts of facilities on neighborhoods and communities.

What the year long investigation proved was an increase in crime and 
illegal marijuana use and possession. The detailed search included 
over 14 months of consultations, surveys, and detailed research on 
the negative effects in connection to dispensaries. Armed robberies, 
violence, illegal sales and consumption are among the most prevalent 
negative effects reported.

The ordinance states, "Prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries ... 
are necessary and appropriate to maintain and protect the public 
health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Brentwood." The 
ordinance would not ban health care facilities, residential care 
facilities, hospice, or state-licensed clinics. The new ordinance was 
passed quickly, with discussions and questions cut short. A second 
reading of the ordinance will be completed at a later meeting.

The permanent ban will go into effect 30 days following that second 
reading. Brentwood police have seen a rise in drug related crimes. A 
handful of growing operations in the past year alone have been shut 
down. Such businesses were proven to effect health, safety and 
welfare of communities in and around the area. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake