[OG Kush]

With a temporary moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries close to expiring, the City Council will revisit the issue tonight.

The moratorium took effect in August 2005 and was extended the following month for a year, largely because the council felt it did not have enough information about crime associated with dispensaries and the implications of federal law prohibiting marijuana.

When it came before the council a year ago, they felt there wasnt enough information, so they put a moratorium in place for one year, said Pamela Ott, the citys economic development manager.

Ott added that the council might decide to make a moratorium permanent through an ordinance.

In 1996, voters passed Proposition 215, which allowed marijuana use with a doctors recommendation. But federal law maintains that marijuana has no medical benefits.

City officials have received at least two inquiries about establishing a medical marijuana dispensary in Pleasanton within the past five months, a staff report said.

About 21 cities have completely banned dispensaries, while 62 cities have moratoriums. The council is expected to act tonight because Pleasantons temporary ban is due to expire Aug. 5.

The city would be following its neighbors if it renews its efforts to keep dispensaries out. In June, Dublin formally passed an ordinance that banned dispensaries for good. Dublin joined Concord as the only two East Bay cities to ban dispensaries through an ordinance.

Last week, the Livermore City Council voted 4-0 to extend its moratorium rather than adopt an ordinance.

City Attorney John Pomidor warned that the city could face lawsuits if it adopted a permanent ban. Concord was sued by the Americans for Safe Access, a medical marijuana advocacy group based in Oakland. That lawsuit later was dropped.


Newshawk: SX420 - 420Girls.com
Source: 420Times.com
Author: Brian Foley
Copyright: 2006 ANG Newspapers
Contact: herlet@angnewspapers.com
Website: http://www.insidebayarea.com/trivalleyherald