cannabisnews.com: Pot Law Back on Board Agenda Pot Law Back on Board Agenda Posted by CN Staff on February 04, 2005 at 16:24:15 PT By Chris Nichols Source: Union Democrat There's no place to get medical marijuana in Calaveras County. At least not legally. But that could change soon, as supervisors on Monday will discuss an ordinance that would allow cannabis dispensaries in the county. County planners drew up rules for such dispensaries last fall, after San Andreas resident Kim Cue applied to open a cannabis club — as the dispensaries are commonly called — in San Andreas. If approved, the ordinance would allow the clubs to open in commercially-zoned office parks. Cue would still need to apply for an administrative use permit if the ordinance is passed. But no club could open within 1,000 feet of a school or youth-oriented establishment. A background check would be required for anyone who wants to open a club. The county would have access to the businesses' financial accounts. If requested, the records would have to be produced within 24 hours, according to the ordinance. Supervisors discussed the ordinance in November but a vote on whether to approve it died for lack of support. Supervisor Tom Tryon called for the matter to be brought back to the board at a later date, after two new county supervisors had been sworn in. At the November meeting, both Tryon and Supervisor Merita Callaway said they would consider approving the ordinance at a later date. But Supervisor Victoria Erickson said at the same meeting that she opposed the ordinance. Three weeks earlier, the county's Planning Commission had unanimously recommended that the board reject the ordinance. Several commissioners said the ordinance was not strict enough. They added that if marijuana is to be distributed in the county, it should be done by federally regulated pharmacies, not cannabis clubs. They also noted the use of marijuana, for any purpose, is a violation of federal law. New supervisors Bill Claudino and Steve Wilensky said last fall they would study the ordinance, but did not comment on how they would vote. Sheriff Dennis Downum has said he opposes the ordinance, noting the clubs could promote the use of marijuana among youth. Cue said last fall that she would provide strict security at her proposed club and not allow minors inside. The Angels Camp City Council passed a cannabis ordinance last year. Several California counties, including Amador, Sacramento, Alameda and San Francisco, allow cannabis dispensaries. Tuolumne County officials have discussed but not finalized a cannabis ordinance. California voters in 1996 approved the Compassionate Use Act, allowing for the limited sale and harvest of marijuana. According to the act, individuals suffering from certain conditions have the right to obtain and use marijuana for medical purposes with a doctor's prescription. Calaveras County officials have noted that they are legally required to make medical marijuana available to qualified patients. According to the act, the conditions include cancer, anorexia, AIDS, glaucoma, arthritis, chronic pain, spasticity, migraine or "any other illness for which marijuana provides relief." Source: Union Democrat, The (CA)Author: Chris NicholsPublished: February 4, 2005 Copyright: 2005 Western Communications, Inc.Website: http://uniondemocrat.com/Contact: letters uniondemocrat.comRelated Articles & Web Site:Medicinal Cannabis Research Linkshttp://freedomtoexhale.com/research.htmPot Issue Simmers on Divided Boardhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19884.shtmlPlanners Want To Snuff Pot Clubshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19789.shtmlPot Club Seeks To Operate in San Andreashttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread19562.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Post Comment