MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN FULLERTON

Marijuana dispensaries, although not advertised with flashing lights
and covered in marijuana leaves, may exist in Fullerton.

Offering happy hours, early bird specials and edibles, medical
marijuana dispensaries are strictly prohibited in the city of
Fullerton since an ordinance was passed in 2008.

In May, Fullerton Police Department received complaints from
neighbors that an illegal marijuana dispensary, the Green Parrot, was
doing business near Raymond Elementary School.

According to Sgt. Andrew Goodrich, the neighbors complained that many
people were passing by the business, coming and going, and young
people were independently selling edible marijuana treats such as
cookies, brownies and crackers, "enticing children" in the area.

That month, the Fullerton police took action.

According to a Fullerton press release, the investigation resulted in
the business being cited and shut down in July.

Narcotics investigators investigated the Green Parrot, located at
1001 E. Chapman Ave., Unit C, for operating within 600 feet of a
school without a permit or business license.

The Green Parrot, which served 400 patients, was within 300 feet of
Raymond Elementary School.

Derek Gonzalez, 21, a business owner, was issued the citation for the
violations and agreed to shut down his business and stop selling marijuana.

"Marijuana dispensaries, collectives and cooperatives are not allowed
to operate within the city of Fullerton," said Goodrich.

Although dispensaries are banned in Fullerton, that does not stop the
friends of Lauren Staudenmaier, 19, a pre-business major.

Staudenmaier said one of her friends has a medical marijuana card
because of a recent back injury. Opening a legal marijuana dispensary
would be more convenient for her friend.

"As long as people use them (medical marijuana cards) for legitimate
reasons, it is fine," said Staudenmaier.

Braden Griffiths, 25, an accounting major, said he has about 30
friends who use marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes.
Griffith believes Fullerton should allow marijuana dispensaries only
if they are legal.

Despite the ban on dispensaries, medical marijuana websites and
companies like Burning Treezzz Delivery and Chron2theDoor have found
a loophole in the system: delivering the marijuana.

These two companies, along with many others, offer an online "menu,"
allowing buyers to choose their marijuana and edibles, like Hubby Bar
Cookies 'N' Creme, for delivery.