SEATTLE -- Medical marijuana could be moving mainstream in Seattle.
Although illegal under federal law, Seattle's mayor is determined to bring thoughtful regulation to the marijuana industry.
"So we're going to do our best to keep people safe in Seattle and allow for the appropriate use of marijuana," said Mayor Mike McGinn.
After Governor Gregoire vetoed legalizing medical marijuana, many cities took the opposite approach to Seattle and cracked down. Now as Seattle develops its regulations, it's moving ahead, alone.
Wednesday, the Seattle City Council will look at licensing, zoning, fire safety and other rules to regulate dispensaries.
"I think our job is to make sure there's an orderly process and appropriate regulations," said City Councilmember Tim Burgess.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said he may follow in Seattle's footsteps. He's already told the sheriff and prosecutor to not go after small marijuana operations. But, he too wants to make sure the industry is safe for the public.
Dockside Co-Op in Fremont opened in March. They wont tell us how many patients they serve or how much marijuana they've distributed.
Another pot shop down the block was robbed. Next door to Dockside is the Wright Brothers Bike Shop. Their owner, Charles Hadrann, supports medical marijuana, but he's concerned about possible crime next door.
"The only concern we have is about burglary, breaking and entering. But all types of businesses face that risk," said Hadrann.
The city is considering specific land use zones, like pot pea patches for co-op growers. The concern is intervention by federal authorities and the potential for crime.
Although illegal under federal law, Seattle's mayor is determined to bring thoughtful regulation to the marijuana industry.
"So we're going to do our best to keep people safe in Seattle and allow for the appropriate use of marijuana," said Mayor Mike McGinn.
After Governor Gregoire vetoed legalizing medical marijuana, many cities took the opposite approach to Seattle and cracked down. Now as Seattle develops its regulations, it's moving ahead, alone.
Wednesday, the Seattle City Council will look at licensing, zoning, fire safety and other rules to regulate dispensaries.
"I think our job is to make sure there's an orderly process and appropriate regulations," said City Councilmember Tim Burgess.
King County Executive Dow Constantine said he may follow in Seattle's footsteps. He's already told the sheriff and prosecutor to not go after small marijuana operations. But, he too wants to make sure the industry is safe for the public.
Dockside Co-Op in Fremont opened in March. They wont tell us how many patients they serve or how much marijuana they've distributed.
Another pot shop down the block was robbed. Next door to Dockside is the Wright Brothers Bike Shop. Their owner, Charles Hadrann, supports medical marijuana, but he's concerned about possible crime next door.
"The only concern we have is about burglary, breaking and entering. But all types of businesses face that risk," said Hadrann.
The city is considering specific land use zones, like pot pea patches for co-op growers. The concern is intervention by federal authorities and the potential for crime.
