Pubdate: Sun, 22 Nov 2009
Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA)
Column: Off Beat
Copyright: 2009 Appeal-Democrat
Contact: 
http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php
Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343
Author: Harold Kruger
Note: Relevant part of a longer column.
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Harry+Anslinger

DRUG WAR STARTED 80 YEARS AGO REMAINS UNRESOLVED

Somewhere, Harry Anslinger is smiling.

Back in 1930, Anslinger became commissioner of the Federal Bureau of 
Narcotics. In large measure, he was responsible for the nation's war 
on marijuana -- reefer madness, if you will -- that still exists today.

Harry obviously would like what's going on in Yuba County, where 
proponents of a medical cannabis co-op have found it impossible to 
open, for one reason or another, or another, or another.

Down in Los Angeles, there are about 800 dispensaries, according to a 
recent Associated Press story. Sacramento has 39.

Litigation about the pot dispensaries has moved at a quick pace.

The Orange County Register noted in a recent story that pot patients 
sued Anaheim over its ban on dispensaries The case -- now in 
appellate court -- could determine whether cities can legally outlaw 
dispensaries or whether they need to regulate them instead, the paper said.

So maybe the folks in Yuba County can wait for that court case to be 
decided. Depending on the ruling, they may get their local dispensary. Or not.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake