LIVERMORE BANS POT DISPENSARIES

Livermore has joined its neighbors Dublin and Pleasanton in banning
medical cannabis dispensaries within city limits.

The City Council passed the ordinance Monday night.

The new law was passed after its first and second readings without
any opposition or fanfare - in the consent calendar, along with a
dozen other items considered noncontroversial.

Broader discussions on the topic were held in November, at which time
it was decided such facilities tend to attract crime and have other
drawbacks that ultimately outweigh the benefits to the community.

At that time, City Manager Linda Barton told the Council that other
communities that allow medical marijuana facilities have found they
significantly add to the police department's workload and, if allowed
to operate in Livermore, the city might require additional staff with
no added revenue for the city.

While there were no opposition speakers at Monday's meeting, several
people urged the city not to ban cannabis clubs when the ordinance
was in its earlier stages.

Ultimately, Barton said, marijuana is illegal under federal law, be
it for medical use or not. She advised not to change local law until
something changes federally.

The only dissenting vote in November was former Councilmember Tom
Reitter, who wanted the city to look more closely at Oakland's
ordinance that allows such clubs and to come back with ideas on how
to regulate a dispensary.

Pleasanton banned the dispensaries in June, but is trying to work
with Alameda County to see how great the demand is for such facilities.

Dublin passed a ban last year.

Other Bay Area cities with bans on dispensaries include Concord,
Pleasant Hill, Antioch, Oakley, Pinole, San Pablo and Hercules.