California, Orcutt

[palmspringsbum]

Medical marijuana dispensary sets up shop in Orcutt

KSBY 6 Action News
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Reported by: Melissa Mecija

It could be the first medical marijuana dispensary in the northern Santa Barbara County area. The business is called Wishing You Wellness and it sits in the Evergreen Shopping Center in Orcutt.

At this point, it is not clear how long the shop has been open. From the outside, you cannot tell what kind of store it is. However, business owners in the Evergreen Shopping Center confirmed this medical marijuana dispensary popped up about a week ago.

"Pretty much it was word of mouth. We were informed the dispensary was moving in," Nicole Cullum said.

Cullum works at the video rental store a few doors down. She says she has no problem with her new neighbor.

"As long as they respect the area that they're in and they handle it in a professional manner and not make it something that people can come in and misuse," Cullum said.

Dr. Josef Schwartz stopped by the shop Wednesday. He says some of his patients need the marijuana for their chronic pain.

"For some people, it is controversial because there's a certain stigma that goes a long with it, [like] that it's a drug or a gateway drug, but in reality it's less harmful than aspirin," Dr. Schwartz said.

Not everyone was so sure, a couple of business owners who did not want to appear on camera told me they are upset Wishing You Wellness is in the same center.

Orcutt resident Greg Nix visits the shopping complex regularly and the location is a concern for him for a different reason. "I feel that being next to the school zone may cause some problems. They might ought to take a little bit more discretion where you place them, where it can be more regulated."

The people inside the shop did not want to talk to Action News. However, a man who says he works there told Action News they are not open yet and are still working with the county for permits.

It is a new business in town, but one not everyone is welcoming with open arms.

A county spokesman says if a medical marijuana business does stay, they will need a new land use permit.

The shopping center's owner did not return our phone calls.

A Santa Barbara County Sheriff's spokesman says they do not get involved with medical marijuana dispensaries unless some legal violation is found.

[palmspringsbum]

Newly-opened medical marijuana dispensary in Orcutt closes up shop

Tuesday, April 7, 2009
KSBY TV 6 | Reported by: Melissa Mecija

Action News first brought you the story of a marijuana dispensary opening in Orcutt. That dispensary is now closed.

Neighboring businesses say the Wishing you Wellness facility moved into the Evergreen Center a couple weeks ago. Tuesday, a "closed" sign hangs in front of the building.

The dispensary would have been the first one in Northern Santa Barbara County.

A county spokesman says an issue with permits forced the facility to close.

It's not known if and where Wishing you Wellness will relocate.