Anderson Planning Commission members narrowly approved an ordinance with numerous restrictions on the cultivation of medical marijuana within city limits Monday.
While allowing for cultivation only under certain guidelines, Anderson residents with a verified doctor's recommendation will no longer be allowed to grow medical marijuana inside a residence or outdoors, should the city council approve what commissioners passed in a 3-2 vote.
Commissioners Susie Baugh and Ron Barnett dissented. Each said they preferred a wholesale ban on cultivation.
The Anderson City Council will hear the proposed ordinance March 16.
At least 12 speakers voiced opinions during the meeting that lasted more than two hours.
Proponents of medical marijuana left the meeting early and spoke of filing an injunction against individual members of the planning commission who voted in favor of the ordinance.
"They're breaking state law," said Hillary Criner of Redding who operates the Family Tree Cooperative.
Commissioners are "violating Proposition 215 for safe and affordable access ... (b)y forcing (cultivation of medical marijuana) indoors," Criner said.
Restrictions and limitations on the cultivation of medical marijuana are necessary 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 inside a lockable out-building or greenhouse equipped with a working security system licenseable by the city of Anderson.
If grown in a green house, then a six-foot-high fence with a lockable gate must surround the structure.
Additionally, growers must register with the city and pay a $100 code enforcement fee.
Gina Munday, owner of the Green Heart collective in Anderson, estimates the requirements at nearly $15,000 per patient.
"It's creating an extreme hardship on citizens wanting to grow at home," she said.
Additionally, the commission unanimously approved extending the city's moratorium on dispensaries.
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 1
KimW writes:
"That government is best which governs least"
How fortunate that nonsensical issues like this busy the Anderson Planning Commission, so that they are hopelessly muddled in self-importance, and hence unable to propose draconian measures to deal with other problems which threaten to destroy Anderson - barking dogs, wild turkeys threatening traffic on North Street, roaming cats, drivers with loud car stereos, birds making noise too early in the morning, bad grammar on store signs, and people in general who just come and go in Anderson like they own the place.
Perhaps the Planning Commission should consider getting a hobby of some sort.
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