[420 Girl]

Assemblymember Pedro Nava (D 35AD), a supporter of legitimate medical marijuana cooperatives under Proposition 215 (1996), calls for investigations and a moratorium on “wild west” style storefront dispensaries in the City of Santa Barbara.

The 35th State Assemblymember, and announced candidate for California Attorney General, demands the rule of law saying, “The City Council must put an immediate end to continuing violations of the law.” Nava adds, “All dispensaries must be investigated to determine if they satisfy the requirements of Proposition 215, SB 240, and other laws. A moratorium should be placed on any and all pending and future permits for marijuana dispensaries until impacts can be evaluated, and appropriate regulations and protections for our community put in place.”

The City of Santa Barbara is one of 35 cities in California to permit what Nava calls “illegal storefront dispensaries.” The Central Coast city is facing a similar problem as Los Angeles. The original intent to aid legal medical marijuana use has spun out of control and become profit driven. Under the law cooperatives can distribute for medical use only, and not for a profit.

Nava said, “Supporters of Proposition 215 were attempting to permit appropriate use of medical marijuana to relieve suffering in patients who merited the relief it provides. What we are facing in Santa Barbara is not what was intended under PROP 215. In fact, the backlash to the Wild West approach we see threatens the legitimate use of medical marijuana and jeopardizes those patients who need help.”

In his November 30th letter to Mayor Marty Blum and Santa Barbara City Councilmembers Nava writes, “Santa Barbara is the Central Coast magnet for pot profit.” He explains, “This isn’t about medical marijuana approved by Proposition 215 supporters in 1996. This is about a situation that has spiraled out of control and threatens the fabric and quality of life for Santa Barbara families, as well as public safety and neighborhood integrity.”

In the lengthy letter to the City Nava, a career attorney, explains the law. The importance of the “primary caregiver” is paramount. Marijuana can only be cultivated by “patients and primary caregivers.” Law allows for cooperative cultivation and distribution, but for profit sales are “expressly disallowed.”

After citing the issues of proximities to schools and neighborhoods, problems of drug use and addiction, and the City’s general welfare, Nava finishes the letter, “…criminals who grow, distribute and sell illegal marijuana should not see Santa Barbara as just another market to exploit. It’s way past time to roll up the Santa Barbara welcome mat.”


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