Pubdate: Wed, 13 Jul 2011
Source: Tri-City Herald (WA)
Copyright: 2011 Tri-City Herald
Contact:  http://www.tri-cityherald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/459
Author: Dori O'Neal, Tri-City Herald

KENNEWICK CITY COUNCIL DEBATES MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

KENNEWICK -- Recent changes in state law regulating legal growing of
marijuana for patients with terminal or debilitating medical
conditions left the Kennewick City Council grappling with how to police it.

"This is a complicated issue and the city needs more time to study the
implications of the law," said City Manager Marie Mosely during
Tuesday's council meeting.

The new legislation that made changes to the 1998 Medical Use of
Marijuana Act partially was approved by Gov. Chris Gregoire.

However, she vetoed provisions that provided for licensed producers,
processors and dispensers, as well as a provision that would establish
a state registry for patients, providers, dispensers and collective
garden conditions.

The new law, which goes into effect July 22, means each city in the
state must adopt and enforce its own criteria in those areas the
governor vetoed.

Under state law, cities cannot exclude or prohibit collective gardens,
but may impose reasonable restrictions through zoning regulations,
said Lisa Beaton, Kennewick city attorney.

Beaton recommended Tuesday that the council call for a moratorium on
the issue, which will give the city and law enforcement a chance to
investigate ways to keep the growing of medical marijuana legitimate.

It also allows time to decide how to enforce zoning for growers and
ways to issue business licenses.

"If the city enacts a moratorium on this, it must hold a public
hearing within 60 days," Beaton said. After that, the city has up to a
year to make its own provisions to the law.

Council members were concerned about growers abusing the legal growing
of marijuana and any crime and violence to residents who use it for
medical reasons.

"What's always confusing about this law is how to obtain it legally,"
said Police Chief Ken Hohenberg.

Council members are expected to decide on the moratorium at next
week's regular council meeting.

The Pasco City Council on Monday also discussed a moratorium to ban
medical cannabis collective gardening in all zoning districts within
the city. It, too, will consider setting a public hearing on the issue
at its next meeting. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard R Smith Jr.