Pubdate: Wed, 10 Oct 2012
Source: New Times (San Luis Obispo, CA)
Copyright: 2012 New Times
Contact:  http://www.newtimesslo.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1277
Author: Ana Korgan

ARROYO GRANDE OUTLAWS MOBILE DISPENSARIES

In light of an ambiguous grand jury report, the city of Arroyo Grande
is playing it safe and cracking down on medical marijuana delivery
services within its city limits.

On Oct. 9, the City Council unanimously approved an amendment to its
ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries; the new language
includes mobile dispensaries or collectives in the ban, following a
San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury report that makes sweeping
suggestions for local municipalities to rein in the services, which
the report said operate in a "gray" market.

The 2012 report, "Out of Sight, Out of Mind: Medical Marijuana In San 
Luis Obispo County," criticizes local governments for not having rules 
in place to regulate such services.

Thus far, no other municipality has accepted the report's
recommendations; many bodies have instead called them "unreasonable"
and "unwarranted."

The city of Atascadero is currently the only other city to outlaw both
storefront and mobile medical marijuana providers.

Before making their decision, council members heard pleas from a
number of resident patients practically begging for the city to
reconsider. Amid a round of applause-and a bellow of disapproval from
Mayor Tony Ferrara-resident Mary Stackhouse shook off nerves about
public speaking to state why the proposed ban should be nixed.

Stackhouse, who said she sufferers from fibromyalgia-a syndrome
characterized by chronic widespread pain, abnormal pain processing,
sleep disturbances, fatigue, and psychological distress-explained how
medical marijuana allows her lead a more fulfilling life. She said
cannabis lets her to do things like travel and spend time with her
daughter.

The testimony was preceded by multiple community members asking the
council not to implement the ban, including one who presented the
analogy of owning a car that could only operate on a specific type of
diesel and the unreasonableness of having to drive 40 miles to buy
such fuel.

The presentation moved the council to pull the item from the consent
agenda for a brief discussion, despite the impending approval.

According to the grand jury report, up to 40 mobile services operate
across the county.
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MAP posted-by: Matt