RANCHO TABLES DECISION ON POT

The Council Wants to Fine-Tune Restrictions on Cannabis Clubs.

In a rare split decision, the Rancho Cordova City Council voted 3-2
Tuesday to delay a decision on proposed regulations for medical
marijuana dispensaries.

The action allows more time to strengthen restrictions on where
cannabis clubs could locate and impose more stringent security
requirements. The council is set to reconsider the issue Aug. 2.

Councilmen David Sander and Dan Skoglund opposed the delay, saying
they would not vote for any ordinance that allows medical marijuana
dispensaries in Rancho Cordova - no matter the restrictions.

"There is no such thing as medical marijuana," said Sander. "I cannot
support marijuana distribution in this community."

The proposed ordinance would limit medical marijuana dispensaries to
industrial areas at least 1,000 feet from homes, schools, parks and
churches. Only two such businesses would be allowed at the same time.

The measure also would limit buyers to 8 ounces and forbid smoking or
cultivating marijuana on the premises.

A state law that took effect in January allows patients to use
marijuana for medical reasons with a doctor's recommendation. Since
then, several cities in the region have passed ordinances regulating
dispensaries.

The Rocklin City Council banned cannabis clubs, a decision that is
expected to be tested in court.

Although no cannabis clubs are operating in Rancho Cordova, the city
has received two inquiries about starting them.

Councilman Ken Cooley said it makes sense to develop strict guidelines
for the distribution of marijuana, because state law allows it.

"The real question is how will these type of businesses be conducted,"
he said. "We have to accommodate it in our community in such a way
that it's not a nuisance. I think the ordinance before us is a good
starting point."

At the meeting Tuesday, several people spoke out against allowing
cannabis clubs.

"This will not help the image of Rancho Cordova, nor will it instill
pride in the community," Conrade Mayer said.

Others urged the council to make the ordinance as strict as
possible.

Mason Swarthout, who wants to open a cannabis club in Rancho Cordova,
touted the benefits of medical marijuana for people suffering from
cancer, AIDS, glaucoma, migraine headaches and multiple sclerosis.

"Medical marijuana is not harmful," he said.

Swarthout also noted that security would be the top priority if he is
allowed to open a medical marijuana dispensary.

Police Chief George Anderson, who helped craft the proposed ordinance,
said other jurisdictions have encountered trouble with illegal
marijuana dealing outside dispensaries and with distributing the drug
outside the area.

"We don't condone the use of marijuana, but we want to control the
adverse impacts of medical marijuana dispensaries," Anderson said.
"The most difficult thing from a law enforcement perspective would be
to have no regulation."

Under the proposed ordinance, the city manager would issue a special
permit to dispensaries and approve the location. The permit would be
renewed annually.

The dispensaries would not be allowed to sell any other items. City
officials would have access to all the shop's records, and the police
chief would conduct a background check before a permit is granted.

The council suggested several amendments to the proposed ordinance:
The clients must live in Rancho Cordova, the proprietors must develop
a security plan approved by the city, and the dispensaries could not
be near light-rail stations or any business selling alcohol.

"It's very difficult to find a location that doesn't impact somebody,"
Mayor Linda Budge said. "But we don't have the luxury of taking no
action."