Pubdate: Mon, 12 Sep 2011
Source: Daily News, The (Longview, WA)
Copyright: 2011 The Daily News
Contact:  http://www.tdn.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2621
Author: Barbara LaBoe
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

CASTLE ROCK DESIGNATES AREAS FOR POT GARDENS

CASTLE ROCK -- The City Council approved interim zoning restrictions 
for group medical marijuana gardens Monday without discussion or 
audience comment -- a far cry from boisterous earlier meetings about the topic.

The rules grew out of a state law in July allows medical marijuana 
patients to band together and form collective gardens. Previous 
meetings on the subject were heated, with medical marijuana 
supporters saying their rights were being restricted and opponents 
worrying that the city's children would be damaged if the gardens were allowed.

The emergency rules restrict the collective gardens to two "highway 
business district" areas near Interstate 5. Most of the land is east 
of the highway and away from the city's downtown and residential 
core. The council also set a number of restrictions, including 
requiring a city building permit and not allowing the plants to be 
seen from the street. By state law, the gardens cannot have more than 
10 member patients and no more than 45 plants.

The emergency rules are in effect until January. The city Planning 
Commission will draft the city's final ordinances, which will be 
presented to the City Council for formal adoption in December.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom