New regulations that prompted Paradise officials to ban medical marijuana in town limits will only have a minor effect at the county level. "It is my understanding of the new rules from California, that a county or municipality that had regulations on marijuana didn't have to do any extra steps," Doug Teeter, Butte County Fifth District Supervisor, said. The county already bans dispensaries and also has an ordinance regulating cultivation. The county allows marijuana gardens of 50, 100 and 150 square feet depending on the parcel size. The new regulations require marijuana gardens larger than 100 square feet to be registered with the state. [continues 360 words]
Paradise - After about two hours of public testimony, a proposed ordinance that would ban medical marijuana cultivation, delivery and distribution in Paradise town limits passed the town planning commission with a 3-2 vote. A crowd of about 50 to 60 showed up to voice their opinion for and against. Most of the speakers were opposed to the ordinance, saying it will criminalize something the state has made legal. Other supporters said they use medical marijuana because it doesn't have the same side effects as pharmaceuticals. Still others argued that prohibition simply opens up a black market and encourages crime. [continues 890 words]
Proposal Will Not Be Ready by November Election After their marijuana proposal was defeated in the June primary, the Butte County supervisors are back to work on a new ordinance. The supervisors have directed staff to come forward with options based on already existing ordinances in other jurisdictions, said Ridge supervisor Kim Yamaguchi. "Supervisor (Larry Wahl of Chico) recommended Kings County as an example of a proposed ordinance and we said, 'Ok, let's look at it,'" Yamaguchi said, adding that other ordinances within Butte County, such as Paradise, Biggs and Gridley will also be looked at. [continues 348 words]
