SIERRA MADRE >> Despite Proposition 64, most marijuana activity will be restricted in Sierra Madre, city leaders have decided.
In response to the state’s legalization of marijuana in November’s election, the City Council decided Tuesday to update the city’s policy on marijuana, completely prohibiting commercial marijuana uses, including dispensaries.
In compliance with Prop. 64, Sierra Madre will allow for personal cultivation of marijuana plants for medical and nonmedical uses. Specifically, the measure permits individuals, ages 21 and older, to grow up to six plants for personal medicinal or nonmedicinal purposes, but indoors only.
“Given that this is something that the voters have voted on in our state, I think it’s very prudent of us to make sure that we’re doing our due diligence to make sure that we’re not just being reactive to the state law, but that we are putting things in place that we are driving, as a city,” Mayor Rachelle Arizmendi said.
Some residents said they worry they won’t have access to legal marijuana products without some type of commercial business operating in the city.
“It would be important to include a medical part,” resident John Lopez said. “I would recommend thinking about helping out those people who need it in a medical capacity.”
Lopez, who is battling cancer, said he would like to ensure the city considers the needs of residents who are not looking for marijuana to smoke but may need medicinal marijuana products, such as ointments, and do not want to drive to another city to purchase them. They also should be able to take deliveries.
“Think how it can help and benefit lots of people, and by banning delivery here, that is putting a lot of people in the city out,” he said.
The council members all agreed that they would not like to see any shops in the city but said they will reconsider the issue after January, when the state is expected to layout more details for licensing in the state.
“The question is, do residents need a storefront in the city to access that medicine,” said Councilman John Harabedian. “There’s going to potentially be a lot of delivery services that will be coming into the city. There will be sufficient supply for the residents who need this medically.”
credit:pasadenastarnews.com
