DECISION TIME

It is time for Solano County's elected officials to stop kicking the
can down the road when it comes to the issue of regulating medical
marijuana dispensaries.

New flash: It's been almost 15 years now since California's voters
enacted Proposition 215, allowing for the doctor-recommended use and
cultivation of cannabis. So why do Solano County Supervisors require
yet another 45 days to "research federal and state regulation on
medical marijuana and the legalities of allowing dispensaries to open
a business." ("Supes say medical marijuana dispensary on hold," Aug.
24). Just what legal revelations do the supervisors expect to realize
in the next 45 days that they haven't determined in the last
5,350-plus days? What specific information do the supervisors require
before making their decision that couldn't be provided by simply
making phone calls to the city councils of Berkeley or Oakland, both
of which have licensed and regulated dispensaries for well over a decade?

Of course, local Vallejo politicians are little better on this issue.
According to the Times-Herald ("Voters weigh tax measures in Vallejo,
Aug. 19), the council in November will ask voters to decide on
Measure C -- which seeks to impose both business licensing fees and
excise taxes on medical cannabis operations. Such a proposal is fine,
in theory, but appears ridiculous in light of the fact that the
Times-Herald also reports, "The new ordinance would not authorize
illegal business operations, and thus far the city has taken the
stance that existing zoning laws do not permit marijuana businesses
within city limits."

So let me get this straight. The council wants voters to decide
whether businesses in Vallejo that are presently operating without a
permit should pay an annual fee to the city for a license that local
regulators will, by their own admission, not issue them. And then on
top of that, the city wishes to collect excise tax revenue on
business transactions that the council acknowledges are, at this
time, technically illegal.

Enough already! If Vallejo wants to reap the revenues from marijuana
businesses then treat them like licensed businesses. Stop stalling
and start making decisions.

Paul Armentano

Vallejo