Law Similar To Marina, Seaside Bans Salinas became the third city in Monterey County to ban medical marijuana dispensaries after a divided council voted Tuesday for an ordinance that prohibits their establishment. After 75 minutes of debate, Mayor Dennis Donohue joined council members Steve Villegas, Janet Barnes and Tony Barrera in voting to adopt an ordinance that bans stores from selling pot for medical use. Marina and Seaside adopted similar measures earlier this year. Councilwoman Jyl Lutes, whose first husband died of cancer and saw the relief he experienced from marijuana, was the most fervent supporter of allowing medical dispensaries in the city. She said it was unfair to ask patients to drive to Santa Cruz -- the closest place where marijuana can be obtained legally -- or to grow it in their backyard, as Deputy City Attorney Chris Callihan said is allowed by state law for sick patients. [continues 228 words]
Although the ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in Salinas is a foregone conclusion, if last week's debate on the topic is any indication, the City Council is in for another lively discussion. For the sixth time this year, the council will debate the pros and cons of allowing medical pot shops to be set up in the city, an issue that's strongly opposed by three council members and Mayor Dennis Donohue, and has been consistently backed by the rest of the council. [continues 247 words]
