SF Assemblyman Introduces Bill To End Marijuana Rules 'Chaos'
SAN FRANCISCO (KCBS)— State Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco introduced a bill on Tuesday that would turn licensing and regulation of medicinal marijuana dispensaries over to the state's Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control.
"Where marijuana rules are concerned, California has been in chaos too long," Ammiano said.
California voters legalized medical marijuana with the Compassionate Use Act of 1996, but local governments each have their own regulations, some more stringent than others.
State Assemblyman Introduces Marijuana Bill To End California's 'Chaos'
"Cities have been looking for state guidance and dispensaries currently feel they're at the mercy of changing rules and patients who need medical cannabis are uncertain about how their legitimate medical needs will be filled," Ammiano said.
With his bill, AB 473, Ammiano wants the state to oversee the entire supply chain to protect users from toxic marijuana and to remove any criminal elements.
"It would be very rigorous enforcement and clear guidelines that would reassure (we would hope) the local jurisdictions that have witnessed a confusing series court decisions," he explained.
Ammiano also introduced a companion bill that asks the feds to back off until order is restored to California's medical marijuana law.
(Copyright 2013 by CBS San Francisco. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
