DISPENSARY ADVOCATES DON'T KNOW THE LAW

It always amuses me when the owners of illegal marijuana dispensaries
try to use the medical marijuana guidelines as a defense at city
council and court hearings, and then wonder why our city councils and
courts continue to rightfully rule against them ("Del Mar upholds
denial of pot shop license," SignOn San Diego, May 10).

Have marijuana dispensary owners read the medical marijuana guidelines
issued in August 2008 by Jerry Brown, who at the time was the state
attorney general? They clearly state marijuana dispensaries are
illegal. Section IV, Subsection C says: "The following are additional
guidelines to help identify medical marijuana collectives and
cooperatives that are operating outside of state law:

"1. Storefront Dispensaries: Although medical marijuana
'dispensaries' have been operating in California for years,
dispensaries, as such, are not recognized under the law."

The guidelines go on to say if marijuana dispensaries don't have a
business permit, among other requirements, the owners may be subject
to arrest and criminal prosecution under California law.

Kenneth Hansen, San Marcos