San Jose City Council Delays Vote On Medical Marijuana Dispensaries
SAN JOSE (KCBS) – Both sides in the debate over the future of medical marijuana dispensaries in San Jose filled city council chambers for a contentious meeting Tuesday night, though council members delayed a vote on a proposed ordinance.
The measure would impose new rules on pot clubs. If approved, dispensaries would have to be at least 1,000 feet away from schools, day care centers, churches, recreation centers, parks, libraries and other collectives, 500 feet from rehab centers and 150 feet from homes. The dispensaries would also only be allowed to offer marijuana that they have cultivated themselves.
At Tuesday night's meeting, medical marijuana advocates said that's the wrong approach.
"I am tired of watching this city council try to gain political points by passing measures that harm the disabled," said one speaker. Advocates also said that these proposed regulations would lead to a larger "black market" for medical marijuana, and force many dispensaries to close up shop and go out of business.
But those in favor of the proposed regulations said pot clubs have been bad neighbors.
"Clients go through our parking lot at a high speed, park wherever they please, and leave their litter everywhere," said one speaker at Tuesday's meeting.
Many also argued that medical marijuana dispensaries increase the risk of crime in their neighborhoods.
After hearing hundreds of public speakers, the San Jose City Council decided to delay a vote on the proposed ordinance until next week at the earliest.