BAN ON POT CLUBS GROWS

ROSEMEAD - The Rosemead City Council has adopted a temporary ban on
medical marijuana clubs, joining the growing ranks of cities with
prohibitions against the establishments.

The moratorium, which received unanimous council support, temporarily
prevents marijuana dispensaries from operating within city limits,
officials said.

The city now has less than a month to decide whether to extend the
moratorium for another 10 months. After that period, the council will
vote on a permanent policy, city officials said.

Many cities have been waiting for state and federal laws to reconcile
differences, said Rosemead City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto.

In the meantime, Lazzaretto said the city decided to be "pro-active."

"A lot of cities were waiting for the laws to straighten out,"
Rosemead City Manager Andrew Lazzaretto said. "It is better to get
out in front of the issue."

California voters in 1996 passed a proposition that allows those who
demonstrated a medical need for marijuana the legal authority to
obtain and use it. In 2003, the state Legislature enacted a program
that authorizes the distribution of cannabis to qualified patients.

But the state law appeared to contradict a 2005 United States Supreme
Court ruling that held the federal Controlled Substance Act prohibits
any person from possessing or using marijuana.

Prior to the passing of the moratorium, the city did not have an
ordinance prohibiting or limiting marijuana dispensaries, said Oliver
Chi, deputy city manager.

Many cities, such as Azusa, Glendora, El Monte, Monterey Park and
Monrovia, have passed temporary bans.

Don Duncan, Southern California coordinator of Americans for Safe
Access, an Oakland-based medical marijuana advocacy group, said that
it is too early to decide whether the increased numbers of cities
passing moratoriums will benefit cannabis dispensaries.

"The moratoriums themselves are not a problem if they serve as
stepping stones to regulations," Duncan said. "What is a problem is
if they are being used as a stalling tactic."

Duncan said he hopes the moratoriums will lead to regulations, such
as requiring security guards, limiting use near sensitive facilities,
such as schools, and limiting hours of operation.

He added that it is important the dispensaries are given a fair shake.

"It is most important that they exist for the people that need it,
and that they are given a safe and reliable place to get it," Duncan said.