MARINA MOVES TO BAN POT

Critics Fear Complications From Clinics

The city of Marina is poised to become the first jurisdiction in
Monterey County to rule out medical marijuana clinics.

The City Council today will consider zoning amendments that would
put a permanent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries in the city codebook.

The Planning Commission is recommending approval of the ban on
marijuana clinics.

On Monday, Councilman Ken Gray said Marina is too small a city to
get caught up in the conflict between state and federal laws on the
medicinal use of marijuana.

"We just don't think the little city of Marina should take on those
national issues. Larger cities with larger financial resources can
address those issues," Gray said. "Marina is just not in a good
position to take on a challenge like that."

Though California law is generally supportive of the medicinal use
of marijuana, federal drug agents have raided clinics in keeping
with federal anti-marijuana laws.

Gray said he hasn't heard any residents of Marina speaking in favor
of allowing marijuana clinics in the city.

Both Marina and Seaside now have temporary moratoriums in effect
against such clinics -- actions prompted by inquiries last year
about the possibility of locating them there.

City staff members say medical marijuana clinics wouldn't promote
Marina's general plan policies. The clinics wouldn't generate sale
taxes and could prevent tax-generating businesses from finding space
in the city.

If the council approves the recommendation, final approval of zoning
changes would come Feb. 20, and the ban would take effect 30 days after that.