AUBURN PROPOSES 'POT SHOP' ORDINANCE

Auburn officials Monday will consider regulating the location and
operations of medical marijuana dispensaries, even though no such "pot
shops" have applied for business permits in the city.

A proposed ordinance modeled after laws adopted in Roseville and Citrus
Heights would enable Auburn to have restrictions in place should a
marijuana dispensary wish to open in the city.

The ordinance would require background checks of the business applicant and
employees and would prohibit a shop from opening within 1,000 feet of
schools, homes, churches or sole-source pharmacies, such as methadone
clinics, Police Chief Nick Willick said.

The ordinance also would limit business hours, prohibit the growing of
marijuana on property adjacent to the business and outline the grounds to
deny a permit or file an appeal.

"It's a precautionary step - there isn't a need for it now," Willick said.
"But we feel that it's our responsibility to try and protect the public's
health, safety and welfare."

The need for such an ordinance stems from a state law that became effective
in January, which outlined the dispensing of medicinal marijuana in the
state's Health and Safety codes. However, the regulation of sales was left
to local jurisdictions.

Placer County Undersheriff Steve D'Arcy characterized Auburn's proposed law
as vague, adding that cities drafting ordinances in an attempt to regulate
pot shops are in uncharted territory.

"The law is sufficiently murky, certainly on the civil side," D'Arcy said.

Roseville and Citrus Heights officials unanimously approved similar
ordinances last month.

Roseville's first marijuana store, Capitol Compassionate Care, opened in
January, and since then, other groups have shown interest in setting up
shop in Roseville.

Citrus Heights' action was prompted by an application to open a medical
marijuana dispensary about 900 feet from a middle school.

James Henry, owner of Golden West Patient Care, a cannabis shop that opened
in Colfax this spring, said he agrees that marijuana dispensaries should be
regulated.

"I think it's a great idea," Henry said. "I think cities should be involved."

Henry said he runs his store by strict guidelines - such as multiple
background checks for new patients - and hopes his shop can be a model to
others.

"I like that we're able to help patients that are terminally ill or in
severe, chronic pain," Henry said. "The little we do is a big deal to them."

Willick said he thinks some Auburn residents will be upset at the thought
of a medical marijuana store opening in the city.

"It's allowable," Willick said. "I may personally and professionally
disagree, but obviously we have to abide by the law."

Willick will present the ordinance at the City Council meeting at 6 p.m.
Monday. The ordinance will be read a second time at a June 28 meeting. If
adopted, the ordinance will go into effect 30 days from that date.