Pubdate: Thu, 15 Sep 2011
Source: Daily Titan (Cal State Fullerton, CA Edu)
Copyright: 2011 The Daily Titan
Contact:  http://www.dailytitan.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4762
Author: Jessica Rubio

MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN FULLERTON

Marijuana dispensaries, although not advertised with flashing lights 
and covered in marijuana leaves, may exist in Fullerton.

Offering happy hours, early bird specials and edibles, medical 
marijuana dispensaries are strictly prohibited in the city of 
Fullerton since an ordinance was passed in 2008.

In May, Fullerton Police Department received complaints from 
neighbors that an illegal marijuana dispensary, the Green Parrot, was 
doing business near Raymond Elementary School.

According to Sgt. Andrew Goodrich, the neighbors complained that many 
people were passing by the business, coming and going, and young 
people were independently selling edible marijuana treats such as 
cookies, brownies and crackers, "enticing children" in the area.

That month, the Fullerton police took action.

According to a Fullerton press release, the investigation resulted in 
the business being cited and shut down in July.

Narcotics investigators investigated the Green Parrot, located at 
1001 E. Chapman Ave., Unit C, for operating within 600 feet of a 
school without a permit or business license.

The Green Parrot, which served 400 patients, was within 300 feet of 
Raymond Elementary School.

Derek Gonzalez, 21, a business owner, was issued the citation for the 
violations and agreed to shut down his business and stop selling marijuana.

"Marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives are not allowed 
to operate within the city of Fullerton," said Goodrich.

Although dispensaries are banned in Fullerton, that does not stop the 
friends of Lauren Staudenmaier, 19, a pre-business major.

Staudenmaier said one of her friends has a medical marijuana card 
because of a recent back injury. Opening a legal marijuana dispensary 
would be more convenient for her friend.

"As long as people use them (medical marijuana cards) for legitimate 
reasons, it is fine," said Staudenmaier.

Braden Griffiths, 25, an accounting major, said he has about 30 
friends who use marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes. 
Griffith believes Fullerton should allow marijuana dispensaries only 
if they are legal.

Despite the ban on dispensaries, medical marijuana websites and 
companies like Burning Treezzz Delivery and Chron2theDoor have found 
a loophole in the system: delivering the marijuana.

These two companies, along with many others, offer an online "menu," 
allowing buyers to choose their marijuana and edibles, like Hubby Bar 
Cookies 'N' Creme, for delivery.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart