Oakley, CA says no to medical marijuana dispensaries

The town of Oakley in Northern California has unanimously voted to ban medical marijuana dispensaries.

Oakley cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy who use marijuana to suppress nausea and stimulate their appetite will continue to have to drive out of town to legally pick up their leafy medicine.
The council at its Dec. 9 meeting unanimously agreed to ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Oakley, based on problems the pot clubs have caused in other cities. Residents with a doctor’s authorization will still be able to possess and grow their own, however.
“This in no way impacts people’s right to have marijuana or grow it, consistent with what state law allows and requires. It simply means you cannot set up shop,” City Attorney Alison Barratt-Green told the council.
Oakley’s ordinance follows a similar ban enacted in Brentwood, Contra Costa County and numerous cities throughout California.
“We continue to hear stories of the various problems that occur with these businesses, including crime, blight,” said Barratt-Green.

Although growing and possession of marijuana are allowed for doctor-approved patients in California, “The attorney general’s position is that medical marijuana dispensaries are not covered under the Compassionate Use Act.”