Pubdate: Fri, 21 Jan 2011
Source: Desert Sun, The (Palm Springs, CA)
Copyright: 2011 The Desert Sun
Contact: http://local2.thedesertsun.com/mailer/opinionwrap.php
Website: http://www.mydesert.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1112
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Author: Blake Herzog
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Dispensaries

RANCHO MIRAGE COUNCIL TOSSES POT DRAFT ORDINANCES

Rancho Mirage could start helping residents who qualify for medical 
marijuana to get it from out-of-town dispensaries, rather than 
allowing the storefronts to open in the city.

The City Council voted Thursday to throw out two draft ordinances 
that had been waiting for a vote since October, when council members 
halted a process that would have made theirs the second Coachella 
Valley city to allow dispensaries to operate legally.

Mayor Pro Tem Dana Hobart put forward what he called the "Medical 
Cannabis Compassionate Access Program" at Thursday's meeting, which 
would ban storefront dispensaries and cultivation outside of medical 
marijuana collectives.

But the city would allow medical marijuana delivery services to 
operate with a business license, and also subsidize travel costs to 
dispensaries for qualified patients.

Hobart said, "We want the people to be able to get the medications, 
whether it's cannabis or any other medication, that they're entitled to."

The council voted 4-0 for Hobart's proposal, with Councilman Scott 
Hines abstaining.

Hines announced before debate began that he had to declare a conflict 
of interest, because he had taken a job with a government relations 
firm whose clients include one medical marijuana dispensary.

A new ordinance could be brought to a vote at the next council meeting Feb. 3.

Mayor Richard Kite said Hobart's plan was "the best of both worlds," 
for ensuring residents have access without bringing in the higher 
crime and other negatives opponents say surround storefront dispensaries.

Jessica McElfresh, an attorney with the firm representing collectives 
that have been trying to open storefront dispensaries in Rancho 
Mirage, said after the meeting the council's "heart is in the right 
place," but delivery services could be harder to regulate than the storefronts.

Her firm's clients include Desert Heart Collective, which was briefly 
open in Rancho Mirage before the moratorium was adopted, and Kaya 
Holistic Care and Metro Meds, which want to open, but haven't yet.
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