MEDICAL POT DISPENSARIES BANNED

The Lompoc City Council voted Tuesday night to prohibit medicinal
marijuana dispensaries, or "cannabis clubs," from operating in town.

Because the council had approved the ordinance on first reading Feb.
20, it was passed this time without comment.

City leaders say they believe the operation of such dispensaries is
contrary to the public's health, safety and welfare, and violates federal law.

Councilmembers approved the ordinance on the recommendation of Police
Chief Tim Dabney, who said last month that dispensaries in other
California cities has led to an increase in loitering and more serious crimes.

City leaders in 2005 put a moratorium on marijuana dispensaries
because Lompoc had no zoning law to control their location. A
dispensary could have been opened in any location zoned for retail, a
drug store, commercial enterprises or medical uses. The moratorium
was extended for two years.

In the past, city officials had received inquiries regarding business
licenses for medicinal marijuana dispensaries, according to a city
staff report.

Marijuana remains a controlled substance under federal law, and
persons who act in accordance with Proposition 215 are subject to
federal prosecution.

Santa Barbara County began issuing medicinal marijuana identification
cards in 2004, as required by SB 420.

In other action, the council late Tuesday was discussing revising the
city's zoning map to make it legally consistent with the General Plan
Land Use Designation Map.

Making the maps consistent would mean rezoning about 600 parcels in
the city - an action that concerns some property owners, who
complained that the possible "down-zoning" of parcels would devalue
property and result in the loss of equity.

The discussion was not concluded in time for publication.