Four Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Likely Coming to Marin

By Bay City News Service:

The Marin County Board of Supervisors moved ahead Tuesday with an ordinance to establish four medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of the county.

A hearing and adoption of the ordinance is scheduled for Dec. 8. Two of the dispensaries would be located along the U.S. Highway 101 corridor, and one each in rural central and west Marin County.

The four dispensaries would be located in commercial zoning districts. The dispensaries would be at least 800 feet from public or private K-8 schools and youth-oriented facilities such as parks and playgrounds.

Delivery of medical marijuana by a dispensary to members and to labs for testing for contaminants would be allowed but not regulated. Dispensaries must restrict hours and patient limits, provide security measures and be subject to county monitoring and reporting.

The Marin County Administrator’s Office will issue, revoke and modify licenses for medical marijuana dispensaries operated by non-profit patient collectives under the state’s Medical Cannabis Program, and the Board of Supervisors will hear any appeals.

The ordinance does not protect the dispensaries, property owners and patients from federal prosecution because marijuana is still an illegal controlled substance under federal law.

The Board of Supervisors also held hearings on the proposed ordinance in June and October.

(Image via Shutterstock)