ATTITUDES CHANGE; POT DISPENSARIES MULTIPLY

With a hard-line stance against marijuana crumbling at almost every
level of government, advocates of the drug are pushing beyond
legality for societal acceptance.

There are about 30 medical marijuana dispensaries in Sacramento that
distribute cannabis to patients with conditions ranging from cancer
to anorexia who have a letter from their doctor. According to those
in the business, half have opened in the last six months, a result of
the Obama administration vowing not to prosecute dispensaries if
they're abiding by state laws.

The rapid growth has prompted dispensary operators and local
activists to call city officials, asking for more oversight, even if
it results in extra taxes or regulations. For some, it's an effort to
curb skyrocketing competition. Many hope oversight will unmask a
business they say should be as normal as a Rite-Aid.

"It would legitimize us in a big way," said Cody Bass, co-director of
Capitol Wellness Collective in midtown. "And it would keep out a lot
of different elements we don't want involved - we don't want any Joe
Schmoe selling marijuana to a 16-year-old kid just to make rent that month."

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said in May that it's time for California
to study whether to legalize and tax marijuana for recreational use.

A national marijuana advocacy group launched an ad campaign Wednesday
in California's major television markets proposing that as a solution
to the state's budget crisis. Some stations have said they will not
air the 30-second ad, in which Fair Oaks resident Nadene Herndon
contends that taxes could help offset cuts faced by schools, health
care and police.

"We have a major problem in California with our budget," said
Herndon, 58, a former state analyst who started eating
marijuana-infused treats after a series of strokes three years ago
left her with shoulder spasms. "We need to explore other alternatives."

Less than three years ago, Sacramento had five medicinal pot
establishments. City leaders acknowledge they haven't tracked how
many operate today, or even when they opened, because most are
described in city paperwork with vague terms such as "holistic
medicine" or "wellness center."

Sacramento city codes don't mention medical marijuana dispensaries.
And the Sacramento Police Department has left their oversight up to
the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, said Sgt. Norm Leong. Local
police contact the businesses only when crimes are reported at them,
which has been minimal, Leong said.

The City Council is considering a temporary ban on new dispensaries
so it can study the industry and decide whether to incorporate
medical marijuana stores into zoning codes.

"The goal here is to look at the medical marijuana businesses, look
at the zoning laws and work to regulate them so they don't
proliferate," said Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy, who likened the effort
to the recent regulation of cash- advance businesses.

The West Sacramento City Council was expected to vote late Wednesday
night on a 45-day moratorium on dispensaries there. There aren't any
operating yet in the city, but planning officials say they have
received several inquiries. The moratorium would give them time to
update codes and regulations to govern the businesses.

"I want safe medicines to get to patients in a safe manner," said
Ryan Landers, a medical marijuana activist.

Landers has pushed for oversight on where dispensaries are located in
Sacramento, their procedures and quality, addressing the City Council
during public comments at a meeting about two and a half years ago, he said.

In the meantime, Landers spearheads self-regulation.

An operator a half block from child-friendly McKinley Park recently
moved to a new location. Another selected a spot outside
tourist-heavy Old Sacramento. And Landers has questioned
delivery-only services, not associated with actual storefronts, about
quality issues such as storage, he said.

Landers, 37, discovered he had AIDS in 1995, likely a result of a
back-alley tattoo he got at 16, he said. The pills he takes make him
nauseous, and pot helps. Regular use means he doesn't get buzzed or
stoned from the copious amount he smokes, he said.