California, Ripon

[budman]

<span class=postbold>See Also</span>: <a class=postlink href=http://www.cityofripon.org/RMC/Title-09/9-10_MedicalMarajiuanaDispensaries.pdf target=_blank>Ripon Municple Code §9.10</a> - Medical Marijuana Dispensaries.

Police chief asks for regulations on number of medical-use plants


Modesto Bee
By INGA MILLER
BEE STAFF WRITER


Last Updated: July 9, 2006, 05:20:05 AM PDT


RIPON — Medical marijuana might relieve pain, but it's giving police here a headache.

After responding to a number of thefts involving the plant, police will ask the Ripon City Council on Monday to regulate where and how much marijuana can be grown by people who have doctor's cards allowing them to do so under California law.

"Regardless of whether they have a card, there are still public safety issues we have to deal with," Police Chief Richard Bull said.

"We don't want people to get hurt. We don't want people to have to peer over fences and see their neighbor growing medical marijuana. We're also concerned about minors or someone who doesn't have a card having the opportunity to steal and possess this marijuana."

A proposed ordinance he will present to the City Council suggests limiting growers to 24 plants and restricting gardens to secure, locked and "fully enclosed" structures. The proposed ordinance bans outdoor gardens.

If the council approves it Monday, the ordinance would require a second vote to pass.

The Police Department is aware of a half-dozen people growing medical marijuana, Bull said.

"It is important for there to be a disclaimer — we are in no way condoning the cultivation of marijuana," he said. "But we are trying to act within the constraints of Prop. 215."

Proposition 215, passed by California voters in 1996, allows medical marijuana.

Bull said police have discovered gardens of more than 50 plants in neighborhoods. The San Joaquin County district attorney declined to prosecute, Bull said, because the growers either had cards authorizing medical use or were growing the plant for someone who did.

The City Council meets at 7 p.m. Monday at 259 N. Wilma Ave., Ripon.

On the Net: www.cityofripon.org/Government/Council_ ... agenda.pdf

Bee staff writer Inga Miller can be reached at 599-8760 or imiller@modbee.com.

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[Midnight toker]

Ripon eyes limits on pot

Restrictions on growing for medical use pass first vote

The Modesto Bee
By INGA MILLER
BEE STAFF WRITER


Last Updated: July 11, 2006, 04:47:34 AM PDT


RIPON — Growing medical marijuana will have to be more discreet under a set of guidelines given initial approval Monday by the City Council.

Council members voted unanimously in favor of an ordinance that would limit the number of plants and where they could be grown. They would be banned from outside gardens.

"Voting on something such as growing marijuana or using marijuana legally or illegally really goes against grain," Councilman Elden Nutt said. "I want to make that clear."

But he said growing marijuana is legal for medical purposes under Proposition 215, passed in 1996.

The proposed ordinance needs to pass a second vote on July 18, and then a 30-day waiting period to take effect.

The ordinance was drafted after the city received complaints by neighbors about theft and nuisances related to gardeners openly growing medicinal marijuana. In the city of 14,000, police are aware of a half-dozen such gardens.

Police Chief Richard Bull said the department has investigated 10 to 12 instances of suspected illegal growing and forwarded those cases to the San Joaquin district attorney's office, which declined to prosecute.

Deputy District Attorney Phil Urie said he couldn't speak specifically to those instances, but said the department looks at each case individually. He added that at times, there are misunderstandings by police about what can be prosecuted.

Many of Ripon's cases started after neighbors and other people nearby reported suspected theft and trespassing, Bull said.

Nobody from the public spoke either for or against the measures.

They ordinance limits each patient to six mature plants and 12 immature plants. Up to 24 plants would be allowed in a residential neighborhood, and collectives could grow up to 99 plants outside of residential neighborhoods for as many as 10 patients.

Medical marijuana advocates say limiting the number of patients a collective can serve could be a violation of the law.

In other business Monday night, the council passed its yearly budget. It includes a $15.85 million general fund.

Key projects include $5 million to complete the new City Hall and police headquarters expansion; $500,000 for the Mistlin Sports Park; and $500,000 to expand Upper Mavis Park.

Bee staff writer Inga Miller can be reached at 599-8760 or imiller@modbee.com.



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<span class=postbold>AT A GLANCE</span>

ISSUE: Regulating the size and place of medical marijuana gardens

WHERE: Ripon

WHERE IT'S AT: The City Council gave initial approval Monday.

WHAT'S NEXT: It goes back for a second vote July 18, then a 30-day waiting period.

WHAT IT WOULD DO:

Limits on plants: six mature plants or 12 immature plants for each patient; 24 plants in residential neighborhoods; 99 plants at cooperatives outside residential neighborhoods.

Allow gardens only in fully enclosed, locked structures, including a ceiling, roof or top.

Violating the regulations would be a misdemeanor.