Pubdate: Thu, 07 Jul 2016
Source: Signal, The (Santa Clarita, CA)
Copyright: 2016 The Signal
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/942n6o2y
Website: http://www.the-signal.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4221
Author: Krista Daly

NEW POT INITIATIVE IMPACT UNCLEAR

Dispensaries Unlikely to Set Up in City If Rules Approved

Although there is an initiative on the November ballot to legalize 
marijuana and hemp in the state of California, Santa Clarita 
residents aren't likely to see dispensaries popping up around town 
even if it passes.

Mike Murphy, Intergovernmental Relations Manager with the city Santa 
Clarita, said it appears that local laws banning marijuana 
dispensaries would stand even if the measure passes.

While Murphy said he couldn't be sure without reading all 65 pages of 
text, one section within the initiative does lay out rules on local control.

It states there is nothing that will supersede or limit the authority 
of a local jurisdiction to adopt or enforce local ordinances to 
regulate these types of businesses. The prohibition of marijuana 
dispensaries, for example, would remain in effect.

Santa Clarita has two regulations in place regarding marijuana. One 
city rule states that the city must conform to existing state law 
relative to use and sale of marijuana.

Another rule bans the distribution, sale, exchange, process, 
delivery, give away and cultivation of marijuana for medical 
purposes. Los Angeles County also bans medical marijuana dispensaries.

In general, Murphy said, "Anywhere there is a conflict with a local 
ordinance, state law would take precedent."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom