Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jan 2011
Source: Anderson Valley Post (CA)
Copyright: 2011 The E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact:  http://www.andersonvalleypost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5046
Author: George L. Winship
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?115 (Cannabis - California)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

COUNCIL STANDS FIRM ON POT

Despite some voiced opposition from a dozen medical marijuana 
proponents including patients, cooperative employees, care givers and 
at least one Redding attorney, Anderson's five city council members 
remained resolute in unanimously enacting an ordinance strictly 
limiting cultivation of the federally-controlled substance within city limits.

The ordinance, described by some as the most stringent in northern 
California among cities attempting to limit the use and abuse of 
medical marijuana, will take effect in 30 days, on Feb. 18, City 
Attorney Michael Fitzpatrick noted.

The 55-year-old city has a population of 10,579 according to the 
state's estimate as of Jan. 1, 2009.

Prior to its enactment, there were no regulations addressing 
cultivation of medical marijuana in the city's zoning plan. However, 
the city continues to maintain a moratorium on medical marijuana 
collectives, cooperatives or dispensaries operating within city 
limits, a moratorium that is due to expire in April.

One cooperative, The Green Heart, opened just days before the city 
could enact that moratorium and continues to operate unhindered, 
serving an estimated 2,500 members who have a doctor's recommendation 
allowing them to legally use, possess and cultivate medical marijuana 
without fear of prosecution under California's Compassionate Use Act 
of 1996, according to Danny Johnson, a spokesman for The Green Heart.

"I think the ordinance is going to cause a financial hardship on our 
patients," Johnson said during a five-minute speech to the council.

"A lot of our patients are on disability or financial assistance," he noted.

The ordinance, which prohibits cultivation either inside a dwelling 
or in an outdoor garden, limits the growing, harvesting and 
processing of medical marijuana to a 50-square-foot outbuilding that 
is built to city, state and federal codes, is protected by an audible 
alarm system, and contains electrical, plumbing and ventilation.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom