Second Valley City Bans Medical Marijuana Businesses

INDIO, CA- Indio has become the second Coachella Valley city after Indian Wells to impose a total ban on medical marijuana-related businesses and cultivation within its borders.

Indio had previously rejected a proposal that would have allowed medical marijuana dispensaries to operate, and a request to allow medical marijuana delivery services within city limits.

But it went even further during Wednesday’s council meeting, voting 4-1 for an ordinance that expanded the city’s ban on marijuana to include any commercial or recreational cultivation or processing, the Desert Sun reported Thursday morning. Councilwoman Lupe Ramos Watson was the lone dissenting vote.

The only other Coachella Valley city to ban all forms of medical pot sales, distribution or production within its borders is Indian Wells.

Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs and Cathedral City council members have approved dispensaries, delivery and cultivation within their city’s borders -- and detailed taxation plans for these businesses, according to the Desert Sun. Other valley cities have been strict in their regulations of medical marijuana without imposing a ban.

City governments in California have until March to establish their own marijuana regulations before control is delegated to the state.

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