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Pomona takes up medical marijuana

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin

Pomona, CA June 17, 2006 -- Two resolutions, one granting an exemption to a medical marijuana dispensary and the other denying an exemption, will go before the City Council on Monday evening.

Council members will hold a public hearing to discuss whether to support or oppose an exemption to Farm Assist Caregivers, located at 268 San Lorenzo St.

The existence of Farm Assist Caregivers came to light April 3 when council members adopted an interim urgency ordinance, which introduced a 45-day moratorium on the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

At the time, Farm Assist Caregivers representatives said they were operating in the city since December 2005 and urged the council to oppose the ban.

The council imposed the 45-day ban and opted to allow the dispensary to continue operating, while questions about its opening were clarified.

On May 15, council members extended the ban for 10 months and 15 days in order to provide planning department personnel with time to research the subject of medical marijuana dispensaries.

If the council decides to grant an exemption to Farm Assist Caregivers, a series of operating conditions similar to those in Los Angeles County will be set for the dispensary to follow, said Matthew Bassi, city planning manager.