AGOURA HILLS PANEL OPPOSES POT DISPENSARIES

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."