BEAUMONT READY TO BAN MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES

The Beaumont City Council has decided medical marijuana dispensaries
cannot be established locally.

Two weeks after approving the first reading of the ordinance, the
council formally adopted the municipal code addition Tuesday night.
It will go into effect in 30 days.

The vote was 4-1, with Councilwoman Nancy Gall casting the
dissenting vote. Gall said two weeks ago that she has a problem
prohibiting something that some Beaumont residents need.

Councilman Roger Berg remained firm in his position that allowing
dispensaries would be in violation of federal law.

The reason for prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, according
to the ordinance, is "to promote the health, safety, morals, and
general welfare of the residents and businesses within the City."

Yucaipa resident Marla Green attended Tuesday night's council meeting.

"I'm here as a patient," she said.

Green said she has fibromyalgia.

She urged the council to consider allowing medical marijuana
collectives. Members of such collectives grow and cultivate
marijuana for medical purposes.

"There's a lot of sick people in San Bernardino County that could
benefit from this," she said.

Mayor Jeff Fox said the council was only forbidding for-profit
dispensaries and has directed staff to look into collectives.