MEDICAL POT LAW HEADS TO COUNCIL

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. -- How qualified patients and caregivers can
legally grow medical marijuana in their homes will be on Tuesday's
agenda for the South Lake Tahoe City Council.

Under the latest proposed cultivation ordinance, medical marijuana
grows would be limited to 10 percent of a home's square footage and
require inspections and permits from city officials.

As-of-yet undecided application and renewal fees would also be used to
pay for city costs associated with the ordinance.

Violations would be considered a misdemeanor and would include a fine
of up to $1,000, six months in jail or both. Also, medical marijuana
grows would be expected to be in compliance with the ordinance by Dec.
20.

Tuesday will be the first time the City Council will discuss an
ordinance to regulate medical marijuana cultivation since council
members Claire Fortier, Tom Davis and Angela Swanson took office in
December. The previous council delayed discussion on the ordinance in
October.

If approved Tuesday, the ordinance would be up for final approval at a
City Council meeting in May.

The city plans to hold community workshops following any adoption of
the ordinance to educate homeowners and tenants on the ordinance, said
City Attorney Patrick Enright in a staff report.

Tuesday's council meeting starts at 9 a.m. at Lake Tahoe Airport.