Pubdate: Thu, 13 Jun 2013
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2013 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: Craig Gustafson

POT SHOPS SHOULD STAY CLOSED, FILNER REPEATS

SAN DIEGO - Mayor Bob Filner reiterated Wednesday that all medical 
marijuana shops in the city are illegal and they should remain closed 
until a new ordinance regulating those businesses is adopted.

"It's still illegal," Filner said. "There is no (land-use) zone that 
allows it and we will enforce it. And, in fact, code enforcement is 
investigating any report that we have of those violations."

The mayor's response comes after the U-T San Diego reported Monday 
that at least 15 dispensaries are currently operating within city 
limits. A reporter visited the businesses last week to confirm they 
were conducting business after receiving a list from med pot opponents.

State voters have approved the use of marijuana for medicinal 
purposes yet it remains illegal under federal law. Local 
municipalities have struggled with how to regulate the drug given 
that dichotomy.

The bottom line is dispensaries aren't legally permissible in any 
land-use zone in San Diego, and those that are open are in violation. 
Dozens of complaints have been filed with the city, yet no action has 
been taken since January when Filner ordered police and code 
compliance officers to stop investigating dispensaries.

Filner backtracked a few weeks later and issued a statement Jan. 29 
with City Council President Todd Gloria and City Attorney Jan 
Goldsmith saying a new ordinance is coming but until it's adopted no 
dispensaries would be allowed.

Filner said he hasn't changed his stance since then.

Asked if any should be operating, Filner said, "There should be none."

A draft proposal for a new dispensary ordinance has been created and 
it is currently going before local community and planning groups for 
review. No date has been set for a council vote.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom