Pubdate: Fri, 15 Jul 2011
Source: Hollister Free Lance (CA)
Copyright: 2011 MainStreet Media Group
Contact:  http://www.freelancenews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2927
Bookmark: http://mapinc.org/topic/Dispensaries

COUNTY APPROVES PERMANENT BAN ON POT DISPENSARIES

Supervisors voted unanimously this week to make its ban pot 
dispensaries in county limits permanent, and it followed similar bans 
already in place for Hollister and San Juan Bautista.

The board's decision followed approval in February of an urgency 
ordinance that allowed county staff time to return to the board with 
an ordinance banning dispensaries, including collectives, 
cooperatives, clubs and clinics.

In making the decision, board members noted how the medical marijuana 
dispensaries, permitted by the state, are illegal under federal law.

The ban was spurred by the opening of a Purple Cross Rx medical 
marijuana dispensary on Bolsa Road near Flynn Road. County officials 
previously have argued the facility is on land zoned for agricultural 
uses and have told the landlord that his tenant, Scott McPhail, does 
not have permission to operate the dispensary there.

Purple Cross previously had a location in downtown Hollister and was 
sued by the city for violating zoning codes there as well.

McPhail attended last week's meeting but did not speak during public 
comment. San Jose-based attorney James Roberts represented Purple 
Cross and urged supervisors to research medical marijuana benefits.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom