Pubdate: Tue, 03 Jul 2012 Source: Daily News, The (Longview, WA) Copyright: 2012 The Daily News Contact: http://www.tdn.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2621 Author: Marqise Allen WOODLAND COUNCIL AGAIN WRESTLES WITH MEDICAL MARIJUANA POLICIES The Woodland City Council on Monday killed a zoning proposal to control where collective medical marijuana gardens and dispensaries could be located. Council members said they didn't want to regulate an activity that remains illegal under federal law, even if it is permissible under state rules. "I'm personally not comfortable with making it possible to do something that's legal in our state and not legal federally," Councilwoman Marilee McCall said. "I'd like to have a longer time line to see what's going to happen with the conflict between state and federal law." Council members rejected the zoning proposal 5-1 and discussed extending a six-month moratorium on medical marijuana gardens and dispensaries. The council adopted the moratorium in January, hoping the Legislature would clarify the legal situation. It didn't. The situation could become even more complex if voters in November approve a statewide initiative to legalize recreational marijuana use. Councilman Al Swindell was the lone dissenting vote Monday night. "We can't just keep continuing to do six-month moratoriums because we'd be at risk for being sued for stopping someone that's doing something legal in the state of Washington," he said. Councilman Benjamin Fredricks suggested the city consider banning collective gardens entirely. However, City Attorney William Ehling advised against a ban because collective gardens are legal under state law. He recommended the city consider extending the moratorium and evaluate the legal situation as it evolves. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom