NEIGHBOR FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST POT SHOP

Argues Marijuana Dispensary Has No Business Being Downtown

A business neighbor of Tehama Herbal Collective has filed a citizen's
complaint with the city against the pot shop.

Chris Copley who owns a building at 1314 and 1316 Solano St., across the
street from the medicinal marijuana dispensary went to City Hall on Monday
and filed the complaint. "I think it is wrong," Copley said. "I will file
a civil suit if I have to."

Owner of the dispensary, Ken Prather, said on Wednesday he had never spoke
to Copley about the marijuana dispensary and had no idea he had filed a
complaint. The dispensary is located at 1317 Solano St.

"I have talked to all of my neighbors on the block and no one stated they
had a problem with the dispensary," Prather said.

Tina Henson, owner of Tina Maries Beauty Salon, east of the dispensary,
said she isn't forming an opinion until she has all the facts.

"I have talked to Mr. Prather and now I need to talk to City Hall," she said.

On the same block is Justice For All, owned by Jeanette Turner. She said
the dispensary is a good thing.

"It's bringing people into town who otherwise wouldn't come here. The
marijuana dispensary is bringing in revenue and paying taxes. Instead of
the medicinal marijuana users going to Redding or Anderson they are coming
here to Corning and bringing in revenue," Turner said.

Copley claims Prather is breaking federal laws and setting a bad example
to the youth and children in the community.

"I am completely opposed to the dispensary," he said. "If we give them a
business license, City Hall is saying it is OK."

Bill McFadden, a licensed pharmacist and owner of Clark's Drugs on Solano
Street, has issues as well.

"My concern over the whole business with the dispensary in town is that I
wonder who is accountable and regulating what is coming in and what is
being sold."

He said marijuana is a drug and needs to be regulated just like any other
prescription drug.

"I personally feel it should be legalized and we should tax the hell out
of it," McFadden said.

He explained one of the medical benefits derived from marijuana is sold
through pharmacies in a product named Marinol.

"It is extremely expensive but is covered by insurance," McFadden said. "I
have and do dispense it from my pharmacy."

Prather, his wife Kathy and business partner Jason Labonte are operating
without a city-issued business license, which was by City Planner John
Stoufer.

"I denied the license on the basis a medical marijuana
collective/dispensary is not listed as permitted use within city zoning
ordinances," Stoufer said.

On Aug. 11 the City Council adopted an emergency ordinance prohibiting
medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives or cooperatives in the city
for a 45-day period during which the council will be gathering information
on the issue.

Following their attorney's advise the Prathers have kept the business open
despite the ordinance. On Aug. 13, Corning police Chief Tony Cardenas and
one of his officers informed the Prathers they are in violation of a city
ordinance and "are hereby ordered to immediately discontinue the operation
of a medical marijuana collective."

The document, signed by Stoufer, explains if the business is not closed
down, and the Prathers are found guilty of the infraction, they could be
fined.

[sidebar]

Know and go

* WHAT: A special informational meeting on the laws, rules and regulation
concerning medical marijuana, collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries.

* WHEN: 6 p.m., Tuesday (regular city council meeting to follow at 7:30 p.m.)

* WHERE: City Council Chambers, 794 Third St.