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Lincoln adopts interim ban on marijuana dispensaries

Jennifer K. Morita Sacramento Bee

Lincoln, CA Dec 16, 2004 -- With little discussion and no comment from the public, the Lincoln City Council approved a 45-day urgency ordinance this week banning medical marijuana dispensaries, at least temporarily.

Lincoln joins a growing list of cities in the region invoking such a ban.

Police Chief Bill Smull recommended the ban after the city received inquiries from groups interested in opening shops in Lincoln.

In his staff report, Smull cited problems that cities with dispensaries have experienced, such as street dealers selling to shop clients and the smoking of marijuana in public.

The urgency ordinance, effective immediately, will last until Feb. 11 while a permanent regulation makes its way through the Planning Commission and eventually to the City Council for final approval.