MEDICAL POT CLINIC MAP TO BE REDRAWN

Alameda County is on the verge of redrawing the maps about where
three medical marijuana clinics can operate in unincorporated areas.

If county supervisors approve a boundary shift:

- - The Garden of Eden dispensary on Foothill Boulevard in south
Cherryland would be added to east Ashland-Castro Valley, known as Area Three.

- - The Garden of Eden would be a likely shoo-in for a prized permit in
its new area. A Natural Source marijuana outlet on Foothill Boulevard
in Ashland is just one strike away from being knocked out of the
permit process.

- - On paper, the Garden of Eden's move would leave the Alameda County
Resource Center and Compassionate Caregivers of Alameda County to
compete for the operating permit in Area Two, northwest Ashland and
south Cherryland.

We Are Hemp on Lewelling Boulevard in San Lorenzo is the only
dispensary to win permit approval for Area One, San Lorenzo and
north-central Cherryland.

"It's time to get this wrapped up and to move on," said county
Supervisor Nate Miley, who with Supervisor Alice Lai-Bitker
represents these unincorporated communities.

"This has dragged on way too long," Miley said. "I am confident, and
I'm sure the community feels the same way, that they would like to
get this resolved."

About three years ago, after Oakland imposed tighter regulations on
its marijuana outlets, several cannabis clubs relocated to
unincorporated areas.

The county had no guidelines to regulate these businesses, however.
By 2004, three of the seven clubs were clustered near each other on
East 14th Street in Ashland. In October 2004, supervisors banned
additional clinics and began preparing new regulations to govern existing ones.

Supervisors decided last year to limit the number of clinics to three
and set up a permit application process.

Thus far, one club closed voluntarily, and another club closed after
having its application denied. A Natural Source's final appeal will
be heard by supervisors, probably on March 2. The Resource Center,
Compassionate Caregivers and Garden of Eden remain in the running for
the Area Two permit, unless the map revisions on March 7 put the
Garden of Eden in Area Three.

Clarifying geographical boundaries, and not making political or value
judgments on the marijuana sales operations, is behind the map
revision, Miley insisted.