FAIRFAX POT SHOP'S DELIVERY REQUEST IS A REASONABLE ONE

WHILE SOME Marin cities are trying to figure out what to do with
medical pot dispensaries that keep popping up, the one that has
operated in Fairfax for more than a decade is seeking to have some of
the conditions placed on its operation relaxed.

The request reflects the capitalistic side of the medicinal marijuana
market. And growing competition. The Marin Alliance of Medical
Marijuana is a business, after all.

The Marin Alliance, the state's oldest medical pot dispensary, opened
in Fairfax after 83 percent of voters in 1996 endorsed Proposition
215, which legalized medicinal marijuana in California. The
dispensary has been in compliance with several dozen conditions since
it opened.

"We haven't had any police actions or problems ever since she
opened," said Town Manager Michael Rock, referring to founder Lynnette Shaw.

The Marin Alliance has operated without competition in Fairfax for 13
years. Perhaps the number of conditions imposed by the town has
discouraged other pot clubs from opening there.

In other Marin towns, pot shops have popped up without permits and
licenses, to the consternation of officials. In some cases, the
response has been to impose moratoriums.

But rather than push the issue to other towns, Fairfax has tried to
make Proposition 215 work through sound public policy. That approach
appears to have been successful.

Now, the Marin Alliance wants town approval to deliver to clients'
homes to compete with out-of-town dispensaries that have begun
delivery to residents, including some in Fairfax.

Its request deserves consideration, although it could be a moot point
if voters in November legalize marijuana in California.

The idea of home delivery, while providing endless fodder for jokes, has merit.

Patients using medical marijuana to combat pain or lack of hunger may
be too weak or disabled to make an in-person trip to the dispensary's
School Street Plaza shop. Home deliveries would solve that problem.

The Marin Alliance has demonstrated that it is a responsible,
financially sound business that can follow the rules. It is one of
the largest sales tax producers in Fairfax. But it is worried about
growing competition and is right to question why it should be limited
by rules that out-of-town dispensaries don't have to play by.

We stand by our position that the best way to dispense medical pot
would be by commercial pharmacies through a doctor's prescription.
Rather than going back to voters and asking them to repair
Proposition 215, politicians left the law confusing and vulnerable to
federal sweeps.

Fairfax, to its credit, has tried to honor the spirit of Proposition 215.

The Marin Alliance's compliance with the town's rules has shown it
can operate trouble-free. Its request to deliver to homes is a
reasonable one worthy of serious consideration.