Although they voiced support for medical marijuana patients, Goleta's City Council voted 5-0 in support of an ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries within city limits. Citing the need to examine the option of allowing and regulating dispensaries in more detail, the council imposed upon itself an August 30 deadline. "Part of the argument against [regulation] is that it's in conflict with federal law," said Councilmember Michael Bennett, who found issue with a document produced by Goleta city staff indicating that medical marijuana dispensaries attract crime. "If we were to prohibit businesses that attract crime, we could go on a rampage," he said, pointing to stores selling liquor and firearms as more of a risk. [continues 122 words]
Peaceable Protest Calls for Feds to Stay Out of Santa Barbara's Dispensaries About 100 demonstrators showed up at Santa Barbara's landmark dolphin fountain at the end of Stearns Wharf today to show solidarity in the face of the federal government's recent threats to shut down the numerous medical marijuana dispensaries in town. Although the march began an hour behind schedule at 1 p.m., those involved gradually picked up intensity and fervor as they moved up State Street. Proudly sporting T-shirts reading "I Am Not a Criminal," and "No Access Is Not a Solution," the protesters chanted "Protect our rights! All of our rights!" as they made their way from the waterfront to the heart of downtown. [continues 278 words]
