Pubdate: Sun, 02 Aug 2015 Source: Appeal-Democrat (Marysville, CA) Copyright: 2015 Appeal-Democrat Contact: http://www.appeal-democrat.com/sections/services/forms/editorletter.php Website: http://www.appeal-democrat.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1343 Author: Eric Vodden GALLAGHER MAY CHANGE MIND ON MEDICAL POT OVERSIGHT After earlier opposing a bill that would give the state more control over regulating medical marijuana, area Assemblyman James Gallagher said last week there might be need for state oversight. Gallagher earlier opposed AB 266, which would create an Office of Marijuana Regulation within the governor's office, saying it would limit local control over marijuana cultivation in counties and cities. But last week he also referred to the phrase of a fellow assemblyman who termed the hodge-podge of local cannabis laws throughout the state as the "Wild West." "There is probably going to be a need for a statewide framework," said Gallagher, R-Nicolaus. AB 266 was approved by the Assembly and still must go before the state Senate. But it is expected to undergo a series of amendments before it gets to the Senate and will likely have to go back before the Assembly. Gallagher said during a roundtable conference this week at The Appeal Democrat that he is "really thinking about" the issue. Along with the creation of the new state office, AB 266 calls for criminal background checks on growers by the state Department of Justice and a review by the State Water Resources Control Board on whether wastewater standards are being met. It also specifies that local governments could still license or reject commercial co-ops. Gallagher noted the likelihood of medical marijuana ballot measures in 2016. "Long-term, it's going to require enforcement," he said. "There needs to be something statewide that will bring it together." A third voter initiative is being proposed in Yuba County, this one dealing with whether medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed. Supporters of the proposed Patients Access to Regulated Medical Cannabis Act of 2015 presented paperwork to county election officials last week. The initiative has been forwarded to the county counsel's office for development of title and summary that would accompany petitions. County supervisors earlier took no action on a request by advocates to approve the proposed ordinance contained in the initiative. It outlines criteria for allowing marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated Yuba County. In a separate initiative, Yuba County election officials are awaiting proof of advertising on a separate initiative that would replace a new marijuana cultivation ordinance with less restrictive regulations. Once that is done, supporters will be cleared to start gathering signatures. Petitions for an initiative that would prohibit the sale of groundwater outside the county have already been cleared for circulation. Supporters have a Nov. 17 deadline to gather enough signatures to force an election. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom