Jim Finnel
Fallen Cannabis Warrior & Ex News Moderator
The Agoura Hills Planning Commission voted unanimously Thursday night to recommend the City Council change zoning laws to prohibit the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries.
Officials said the action is aimed at complying with federal law and preventing potential criminal activity.
After receiving inquiries in 2006 regarding the possible establishment of medicinal marijuana dispensaries, the city imposed a two-year moratorium on such facilities to study the issue. The moratorium will expire Sept. 26.
Although state voters passed Proposition 215 allowing the medical use of marijuana, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that federal marijuana laws take precedence.
The council is likely to take up the zoning issue in August, said Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger.
According to a report by city staff members, medical marijuana dispensaries "could increase the likelihood that parties would traffic in illegal drugs in the city, thereby endangering the public health, safety and welfare."
According to the report, two California cities allow the dispensaries, 16 prohibit them and 20 have temporary moratoriums.
Planning Commissioner Illece Buckley Weber expressed disappointment about the situation, citing voters' approval of Proposition 215, but she voted to recommend the zoning change because of federal law.
"I find it disheartening that based on the Compassionate Use Act, people were told they can get medicinal marijuana when the reality is they can't," Weber said. "Nevertheless, it seems clear to me that the establishment of these facilities would violate federal law, so I am prepared to support the commission's recommendation."
News Hawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Ventura County Star
Copyright: 2008 he E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact: VenturaCountyStar.com
Website: Agoura Hills panel opposes pot dispensaries
Officials said the action is aimed at complying with federal law and preventing potential criminal activity.
After receiving inquiries in 2006 regarding the possible establishment of medicinal marijuana dispensaries, the city imposed a two-year moratorium on such facilities to study the issue. The moratorium will expire Sept. 26.
Although state voters passed Proposition 215 allowing the medical use of marijuana, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that federal marijuana laws take precedence.
The council is likely to take up the zoning issue in August, said Assistant City Manager Nathan Hamburger.
According to a report by city staff members, medical marijuana dispensaries "could increase the likelihood that parties would traffic in illegal drugs in the city, thereby endangering the public health, safety and welfare."
According to the report, two California cities allow the dispensaries, 16 prohibit them and 20 have temporary moratoriums.
Planning Commissioner Illece Buckley Weber expressed disappointment about the situation, citing voters' approval of Proposition 215, but she voted to recommend the zoning change because of federal law.
"I find it disheartening that based on the Compassionate Use Act, people were told they can get medicinal marijuana when the reality is they can't," Weber said. "Nevertheless, it seems clear to me that the establishment of these facilities would violate federal law, so I am prepared to support the commission's recommendation."
News Hawk: User: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Ventura County Star
Copyright: 2008 he E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact: VenturaCountyStar.com
Website: Agoura Hills panel opposes pot dispensaries
