CB
05-14-2008, 12:28 PM
CLAREMONT - A change of heart by a couple of City Council members means a medical- marijuana dispensary won't be coming to the city.
The council voted 3-1 on Tuesday evening against an ordinance that would allow a dispensary serving Claremont residents who use marijuana with a doctor's prescription.
Mayor Ellen Taylor cast the dissenting vote. Councilman Peter Yao was absent.
Council members Linda Elderkin and Sam Pedroza, who supported the concept of such dispensary in July, cited a recent state Supreme Court ruling as reason why they no longer believe a dispensary would be suitable for the city.
The court ruled employers could fire employees who tested positive for marijuana even if they were using it for medical purposes.
Pedroza said he does not have any regrets for initially supporting the dispensary, but without state and federal backing, he could not vote for the ordinance.
"We're playing in a game with a broken set of rules," Pedroza said.
The July vote was 3-2 in favor of the idea of a dispensary.
After rejecting the ordinance Tuesday, the council directed staff to draft one that bans dispensaries.
Elderkin said she hopes the city will lobby the state to find a humane solution to the issue.
Taylor was prepared to vote for the ordinance despite the court decision and conflict between state and federal law.
"I had hoped the city of Claremont could fill in the gaps," she
said.
More than a dozen people spoke during public comment period, most opposing the dispensary.
David Kasakove, who has expressed interest in opening a dispensary in Claremont, said he will continue to educate patients about their rights and encourage a patient collective.
"Is it over? No," he said. "There's still sick people here."
The council voted 3-1 on Tuesday evening against an ordinance that would allow a dispensary serving Claremont residents who use marijuana with a doctor's prescription.
Mayor Ellen Taylor cast the dissenting vote. Councilman Peter Yao was absent.
Council members Linda Elderkin and Sam Pedroza, who supported the concept of such dispensary in July, cited a recent state Supreme Court ruling as reason why they no longer believe a dispensary would be suitable for the city.
The court ruled employers could fire employees who tested positive for marijuana even if they were using it for medical purposes.
Pedroza said he does not have any regrets for initially supporting the dispensary, but without state and federal backing, he could not vote for the ordinance.
"We're playing in a game with a broken set of rules," Pedroza said.
The July vote was 3-2 in favor of the idea of a dispensary.
After rejecting the ordinance Tuesday, the council directed staff to draft one that bans dispensaries.
Elderkin said she hopes the city will lobby the state to find a humane solution to the issue.
Taylor was prepared to vote for the ordinance despite the court decision and conflict between state and federal law.
"I had hoped the city of Claremont could fill in the gaps," she
said.
More than a dozen people spoke during public comment period, most opposing the dispensary.
David Kasakove, who has expressed interest in opening a dispensary in Claremont, said he will continue to educate patients about their rights and encourage a patient collective.
"Is it over? No," he said. "There's still sick people here."