WALKER WISE TO BACK OFF ON POT

Our view: The fact that two councilors were willing to allow a
marijuana superstore but not a Walmart superstore demonstrates their
odd priorities.

The Chico City Council did the right thing Tuesday and backed down on
its plans to allow two warehouse-size marijuana plantations in Chico.

Actually, only one councilor backed off - Jim Walker. Luckily, that
was enough to swing the 4-3 vote and repeal a previously approved ordinance.

Three others held steadfast, saying they wouldn't be "bullied" by the
federal government and wondering where sick people would get their medicine.

On the first issue, let us remind the council they can't enact laws
that run counter to federal laws. On the latter issue, since the
council is willing to allow marijuana to be grown in yards, in
addition to approving a CVS or a Walgreens every few blocks in town,
getting medicine doesn't seem to be an issue.

The problem is, this "medicine" is illegal in the federal
government's eyes. The federal government so far has no problem with
the residential growing law. But passing an ordinance that could
allow two 10,000-square-foot plantations and dispensaries in the city
limits painted a big target on Chico, and the U.S. attorney launched
some warning shots at it.

The lament that the federal government is a big bully is laughable.
Some would call councilors big bullies for telling citizens they
can't light fireplaces, they can't cut down certain trees in their
own yards and businesses need their blessing before they can expand.
It's proof that bullies come in all sizes.

Speaking of which, it's telling that a council majority was willing
to approve a marijuana superstore but not a Walmart superstore. Two
councilors - Andy Holcombe and Scott Gruendl - voted for marijuana
and against Walmart.

As for the argument that sick people need their medicine, we agree,
but it's a matter of degrees. While some truly ill people believe
they benefit from marijuana use, there are a good number of patients
who just want a legal way to get high. If you have a couple hundred
bucks and a stubbed toe, you can get a recommendation from certain
receptive doctors to smoke all the pot you want. The council
shouldn't be enabling a voter-approved state law that clearly has
become a farce.

We're glad the federal government slapped the City Council to its
senses. The protests of local police, the district attorney, city
management, citizens and the local newspaper should have been enough,
but were not. Sometimes, you need a bigger hammer.