COUNTY CLIPS NEW POT CLUBS UNTIL AT LEAST END OF FEBRUARY

OAKLAND - Alameda County supervisors have extended a temporary ban on
new marijuana clubs in unincorporated areas until Feb. 28.

The original ban, imposed on Oct. 26, was due to expire on Friday.
However, county officials need more time to develop regulations
governing the locations and operations of the clubs.

On Tuesday, the motion to extend the moratorium was made and seconded
by supervisors Alice Lai-Bitker and GailSteele, respectively.

Supervisors Keith Carson and Scott Haggerty voted for the motion.

Supervisor Nate Miley entered the meeting room later and did not
participate in the vote.

Seven medical marijuana dispensaries that opened in Ashland and
Cherryland in the past few months were grandfathered in, and remain
open during the ban on new facilities.

People with doctor-issued cards can buy marijuana at the
clubs.

However, operation during the ban doesn't guarantee the dispensaries
will be permitted to continue doing business indefinitely.

Language in the measure adopted Tuesday by supervisors indicates that
any or all of the dispensaries might not comply with future
regulations.