South Gate bans medical marijuana dispensaries

By WAVE STAFF

Story Created: Aug 4, 2010 at 8:07 PM PST

Story Updated: Aug 4, 2010 at 8:07 PM PST

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SOUTH GATE — It is official. Medical marijuana dispensaries in the city are illegal, after the City Council unanimously approved an emergency ordinance July 27.

It took effect immediately, a representative in the city clerk’s office said.

“The City Council has determined that permitting medical marijuana dispensaries to operate within the city of South Gate, whereby marijuana would be sold and/or distributed, would be in violation of federal law and therefore should be prohibited,” City Manager Ron Bates said in a written report to the council.

City Attorney Raul Salinas wrote the new ordinance, which states that while the state has approved the use of medical marijuana for compassionate purposes, the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that federal law does not contain a compassionate use clause. Therefore, medical marijuana stores or dispensaries remain illegal, the ordinance says.

With the Obama administration saying it would not attack medical marijuana dispensaries conforming to state law, some cities have decided to allow them in certain locations with operating restrictions, limiting stores to nonprofit organizations serving those with proven medical needs.

However, some cities say the stores are a temptation to criminals who would break into the buildings or rob clients.

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