Pot Wars Smokin'
Regulate, ban, or delay? Those are the choices facing PG and Monterey as they consider local pot clubs.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Monterey County now has its first medicinal marijuana storefront—on Lighthouse Avenue in the city of Monterey.
Its debut surprised city officials.
"We just found out it was there yesterday, and we're kinda looking into it," says city spokeswoman Anne McGrath.
Monterey zoning inspectors will likely pay a visit to determine if the pot purveyors are violating city codes, according to City Manager Fred Meurer. If so, they'll be cited, and will have to fight city hall to stay afloat. "Our code does not have a provision for medicinal marijuana outlets," Meurer says.
But he notes the bigger question of how to handle medicinal marijuana is still open. He argues that cities are grappling with it because the state and federal governments haven't. "We should not have a system that is so lacking in courage," he says. If I have to go to Ordway Drug to get morphine, why can't I go to Ordway Drug to get cannabis?"
Meantime, a man who was rebuffed in his bid for a Sand City pot dispensary will try his luck in Pacific Grove starting with a rally at the P.G. City Council meeting Wednesday evening, Jan. 6.
Chris Ward, who supports Daniel Maniscalco's efforts to open a pot club, is organizing the effort.
"What I'm looking for is professionals who want to show their support. I've seen too many tie dyed shirts and dreadlocks—we need ties," Ward says.
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