Anderson Planning Commission approves strict guidelines for growing medical marijuana

Anderson Planning Commission approved an ordinance with numerous, strict restrictions on the cultivation of medical marijuana in the City of Anderson Monday. While allowing for cultivation only under certain guidelines, Anderson residents will no longer be allowed to grow medical marijuana inside a residence or outdoors within the city limits, should the city council approve what the commissioners have passed on.

Commissioners Susie Baugh and Ron Barnett dissented in the 3-2 decision, as they both wanted a wholesale ban on cultivation. The Anderson City Council will hear the proposed ordinance no sooner than at their March 16 meeting.

Twelve speakers voiced their opinions at the meeting lasting over two hours. Proponents of medical marijuana left the meeting early and spoke of filing an injunction against the members of the planning commission voting for the ordinance.

"They're breaking state law," Hillary Criner said, "because (they're) violating Proposition 215 for safe and affordable access.... By forcing (cultivation of medical marijuana) indoors, (they are) taking away affordable access."

Restrictions and limitations on the drug's cultivation were needed in the interests of "public health, safety and welfare," Anderson Planning Director John Stokes said in a previous interview with the Valley Post.

Among the many limitations, the commissioners approved that cultivation should be limited to 120 square feet in a lockable out-building or greenhouse with a working security system. If the structure built is a green house, then a six-foot-high fence with a lockable gate must surround the structure. Additionally, growers would also have to register with the city and pay a $100 fee and include a monitored security alarm.

"How much is this going to cost in this economy?" asked Gina Munday owner of the Green Heart collective in Anderson. "It's creating an extreme hardship on citizens wanting to grow at home."

Additionally, the commission delayed hearing an ordinance on medical marijuana dispensaries and approved extending the moratorium on dispensaries.