Pubdate: Thu, 4 Jun 2009
Source: Santa Barbara Independent, The (CA)
Copyright: 2009 The Santa Barbara Independent, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.independent.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4348
Author: Ben Preston
Cited: Goleta's City Council http://www.cityofgoleta.org/index.aspx?page=486
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topic/dispensaries
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal)

GOLETA BANS MEDICAL POT

Although they voiced support for medical marijuana patients, Goleta's 
City Council voted 5-0 in support of an ordinance banning medical 
marijuana dispensaries within city limits. Citing the need to examine 
the option of allowing and regulating dispensaries in more detail, 
the council imposed upon itself an August 30 deadline.

"Part of the argument against [regulation] is that it's in conflict 
with federal law," said Councilmember Michael Bennett, who found 
issue with a document produced by Goleta city staff indicating that 
medical marijuana dispensaries attract crime. "If we were to prohibit 
businesses that attract crime, we could go on a rampage," he said, 
pointing to stores selling liquor and firearms as more of a risk.

Several medical marijuana patients showed up at the hearing to offer 
comment, with one man--who said he was suffering from a painful 
digestive tract ailment known as Crohn's disease--getting on his 
knees before the council.

The proprietors of Grassroots Research, including Mark Russell, a 
medical marijuana collective operated from a private residence in 
Goleta, were less than happy with the ban. "We've addressed the city 
to relocate to a zoned commercial area several times, but they sent 
us a letter that said they can't give us permits to relocate," said 
Seamus Ethridge, one of the collective's caregivers, who said he was 
surprised by the support given by all of the councilmembers.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake