PANEL VOTES TO OPEN DOOR TO MEDICINAL POT SHOPS

ELK GROVE - The Elk Grove Planning Commission voted 4-0 Thursday to
recommend amending the city's zoning code to include medical marijuana
shops. A call from someone with questions about opening a medical marijuana
shop prompted the city to take up the issue of zoning these businesses. In
January, a medical marijuana store opened in Roseville.

California's 1996 Compassionate Use Act legalized medical marijuana on a
doctor's recommendation.

The zoning amendment would put conditions on where medicinal marijuana can
be sold, said Christine Crawford, Elk Grove planning director. It would
allow such a business in shopping centers provided it is at least 500 feet
from areas zoned residential and at least 1,000 feet from schools.

Homeowners within 1,000 feet of the proposed business must be notified by
mail at least 30 days before approval of the business license.

The ordinance prohibits growing or using marijuana on the premises; store
hours would be restricted from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

No one spoke during the public hearing period of the meeting. The City
Council will consider the issue at its April 7 meeting.