Pubdate: Thu, 23 Aug 2012
Source: Merced Sun-Star (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Merced Sun-Star
Contact: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/284
Website: http://www.mercedsunstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2546
Author: Joshua Emerson Smith

CHOWCHILLA ADOPTS BAN ON SMOKING MEDICAL POT IN PUBLIC

The city of Chowchilla recently adopted an ordinance outlawing 
smoking medical marijuana in public.

The law limits smoking or any type of consumption of medical 
marijuana to inside a private residence and requires all cultivation 
to take place in an enclosed, locked area.

The ordinance states: "No smoke or odor resulting from such smoking, 
ingesting or consumption may be detected from any neighboring 
property or residence."

It's designed to limit theft and other crimes associated with 
marijuana, said Chowchilla City Attorney Tom Ebersole.

"There's nothing wrong with smoking medical marijuana as long as it's 
done in a private home, and growing is done in a locked area."

At least one medical marijuana prescription holder expressed concern 
about the ordinance.

"If a person's at home on their front porch, they should just leave 
them alone," said Allan Bradford, local resident and medical grower.

However, Bradford agreed that people shouldn't be allowed to smoke in 
parks and other public places.

"It shouldn't be any different than alcohol," he said. "You're not 
allowed to drink in public."

The City Council unanimously approved the ordinance at their last 
meeting, with no one speaking against it.

The ordinance goes into effect 30 days from when it was adopted.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom