California, Ceres

[palmspringsbum]

Ceres takes steps to keep pot shops out

The Ceres Courier
Thursday, November 23, 2006

The City Council put the city on a path last week that will eventually make it illegal to establish medical marijuana dispensaries in Ceres.

The council made its intent known that it is referring to the Planning Commission a zoning ordinance text amendment that would prevent persons from opening cannabis shops in Ceres.

On March 27 the council enacted an interim emergency ordinance creating a moratorium on such facilities in Ceres. That moratorium was extended to March 25, 2007 by an ordinance passed later.

The commission will be required to hold public hearings during the process.

Ceres Police Chief Art deWerk initiated the action out of concern that Ceres might be a target for the opening of such businesses now that Modesto and other cities in the county have adopted similar prohibitions. DeWerk said such facilities could increase illegal drug trade and other crimes, create blight around a facility and could impact the safety and welfare of others.

City Attorney Michael Lyions cited the conflicts between federal and state laws. He also noted that deWerk has concerns that such businesses act as a magnet for crime.

Lyions said the ordinance was rushed as an emergency because of the length of time it takes to get a “true ordinance” passed through the Planning Commission and City Council.

Police Division Cmdr. Mike Borges said Ceres doesn't have a medicinal marijuana dispensory but often makes busts involving residents with pot plants in possession of medical marijuana cards. He said typically those arrested have more plants than allowed and typically have expired cards.

Under Proposition 215 passed in 1996, the state allows persons to obtain a doctor's permission to use pot for medicinal reasons but the federal government does not recognize the practice as legal. Cards cost $100 and may be acquired in the Bay Area, said Borges.

“They can get them for any reason,” said Borges, “including anger management and back pain.”

Besides Modesto, the cities of Fresno, Lincoln, Rocklin, Susanville, Pasadena and Concord have all banned medical marijuana dispensaries. - By JEFF BENZIGER / Managing editor of the Ceres (Calif.) Courier