Source: https://calpotnews.com/city-ordinances/
Timestamp: 2019-04-25 04:48:02+00:00

Document:
The following is a list of city (and town) laws pertaining to growing medical marijuana and medical cannabis dispensaries. If you would like to see your city’s cannabis ordinance added, please e-mail Bud.
Oct. 29, 2012: Regrettably, I can no longer respond directly to reader inquiries about growing medical marijuana or dispensary ordinances because of suspected law enforcement e-mail contacts. Also, because of a recent server migration, some of the links below may be broken. I am working to rectify that problem.
Notice: This listing is provided for informational purposes only and may not reflect recent changes in local laws. CalPotNews.com is not liable for errors or omissions.
This listing is provided for reference purposes only; CalPotNews.com will not be held responsible for any errors or omissions. People with questions about a specific ordinance are advised to contact city officials and/or an attorney for further information.
Muncipal Code Sec. 17.200.140: “Medical Marijuana Dispensary – Shall include the terms “Dispensing Collective,” “Dispensing Cooperative,” “Medical Cannabis Collective,” “Medical Cannabis Cooperative,” “Medical Marijuana Collective,” “Medical Marijuana Cooperative,” or similar term, and shall mean any association, cooperative, affiliation, or collective of persons where “qualified patients” and/or “primary care givers” are organized to provide education, referral, or network services, and facilitate or assist in the lawful, “retail” distribution of medical marijuana. “Medical marijuana dispensary” also means any facility or location where the purpose is to dispense, provide, or otherwise make available marijuana as a medication that has been recommended by a physician and where marijuana is made medically available to and/or distributed by or to primary caregivers and/or qualified patients, in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 through 11362.83, inclusive. “Medical Marijuana Dispensary” also includes mobile sales and/or establishments from which marijuana is delivered to patients who cannot obtain it from a dispensary due to physical or mental disability, for medical purposes in compliance with Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 through 11362.83, inclusive. For the purposes of this Title, the terms “primary caregiver,” “qualified patient,” and “person with an identification card” shall be as ascribed in California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 and 11362.7.
The city adopted an urgency moratorium and extension, both in 2008. A permanent ordinance is set for consideration in May.
The Anaheim ordinance banning dispensaries has been closely watched statewide. A state appellate court ruled in 2010 that federal law may not be used as a basis for cities to prohibit activities that are legal under state law, sending the case back to the trial court. The ruling has cast doubt on other dispensary bans based solely on federal pre-emption, and Qualified Patients v. City of Anaheim is headed back to the Court of Appeal after the trial judge upheld the city’s ordinance on different grounds.
The city passed an urgency interim ordinance and extension in 2009 prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries.
Urgency ordinance CS 931, passed Feb. 13, 2012, extends for an additional year the city’s prior moratorium against medical marijuana dispensaries.
(A) Medical marijuana dispensaries or any other facility or use that involves the distribution of drugs or other substances illegal to distribute or possess under state or federal law.
(1) No conduct protected from criminal liability pursuant to the Compassionate Use Act (Cal. Heath and Safety Code § 11362.5) and the Medical Marijuana Program Act (Cal. Heath and Safety Code § § 11362.7 through 11362.83) shall be made criminal by this code. Such conduct that violates the requirements of this code shall be subject to non-criminal remedies only.
This 2010 ordinance bans dispensaries, collectives, outdoor cultivation and even the consumption of medical cannabis outside the patient’s own home.
The city has not adopted any ordinances pertaining to medical marijuana, according to the city clerk’s office, but MM dispensaries are not permitted under current city zoning codes. Potential business owners may apply for a determination of allowable use through the Planning Department, a process that includes a public hearing and a $1,000 application fee.
The Fresno City Council passed its first medical cannabis ordinance in 2004 with a ban on dispensaries serving more than two patients or caregivers. In 2006, the 2004 ordinance was repealed with an ordinance allowing dispensaries “consistent with state and federal law.” Since medical cannabis remains illegal under federal law, the ordinance serves as a de facto ban on dispensaries. In 2007, the 2006 ordinance got a procedural makeover (see report) but the language didn’t change.
On Dec. 15, 2011, the Fresno City Council passed Ordinance 2011-41, an interim urgency ordinance prohibiting the outdoor cultivation of marijuana in the city. The outdoor growing ban was extended for 10 months, 15 days, by Ordinance 2012-3, which was passed by the council on Jan. 26, 2012.
Proposed permanent ban recommended for approval by the Fresno Planning Commission. The ordinance is expected to go before the Fresno City Council in the near future.
The city faces a Feb. 23 deadline before its dispensary moratorium expires. The City Council voted Jan. 11 to enact a permanent ban, not just on dispensaries but also on medical cannabis collectives.
16.16.073 – Medical marijuana dispensary.
It is the purpose and intent of this chapter to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents and businesses within the city by regulating medical marijuana dispensaries. (Ord. 04-05 §1(part), 2004).
“Medical marijuana” is defined in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq.
“Medical marijuana dispensary” means any facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, where medical marijuana is made available to, distributed by, or distributed to one or more of the following: (1) a “qualified patient,” (2) a “person with an identification card,” or (3) a “primary caregiver” as those terms are defined in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq. Unless otherwise regulated by this code or applicable law, “medical marijuana dispensary” shall not include the following uses: a clinic licensed pursuant to Chapter 1 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, a health care facility licensed pursuant to Chapter 2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, a residential care facility for persons with chronic life-threatening illness pursuant to Chapter 3.01 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, a residential care facility for the elderly licensed pursuant to Chapter 3.2 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, a residential hospice, or a home health agency licensed pursuant to Chapter 8 of Division 2 of the Health and Safety Code, as long as any such use complies strictly with applicable law including, but not limited to, Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq. (Ord. 04-05 §1(part), 2004).
9.06.030 Limitations and prohibitions applicable to medical marijuana dispensaries.
A. Medical marijuana dispensaries where medical marijuana is distributed by, distributed to, or made available to any combination of three or more qualified patients, persons with identification card, or primary caregivers as defined by California Health and Safety Code Section 11362.5 et seq. are prohibited.
B. Medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited from engaging in the sale, dispensing, or distribution of any item other than medical marijuana as allowed by law.
C. No more than one medical marijuana dispensary may operate out of a single building or legal parcel. (Ord. 04-05 §1(part), 2004).
If any section, subdivision, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, that portion shall be deemed a separate, distinct and independent provision, and that holding shall not affect the validity of the remaining portion thereof. (Ord. 04-05 §1(part), 2004).
The City Council passed a 45-day moratorium on medical cannabis dispensaries in February 2009, then passed two extensions extending the moratorium through Oct. 2, 2010. Ordinance 1511, which passed Oct. 6, 2010 , amends the city’s municipal code to prohibit medical cannabis dispensaries AND collectives. The state Coastal Commission asked the city to reconsider the dispensary ban in January 2011, according to the Orange County Register.
The Planning Commission held a medical marijuana dispensary workshop after the city received a proposal from a would-be operator. I wasn’t able to locate any follow-up action for or against dispensaries, and I don’t see any references in the Lathrop Municipal Code. In the broader context of local ordinances found elsewhere in California, Lathrop is neutral, having neither banned dispensaries nor authorized them. Many cities and counties are awaiting an upcoming California Supreme Court ruling (or two or three) before taking the next step on dispensary regulations.
Measure M — A 5 percent tax on gross proceeds at medical cannabis dispensaries was passed by city voters March 8, 2011. It passed with 59 percent “yes” votes despite an opposition campaign run by local dispensaries. The full text appears below.
An ordinance adding Section 21.50 to the Los Angeles Municipal Code to provide funding through imposition of a general tax.
Sec. 21.50. TAXATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA COLLECTIVES.
California and federal law. Nothing in this Section shall be applied or construed as authorizing the sale of marijuana.
(b) Every person engaged in operating or otherwise conducting a medical marijuana collective not otherwise specifically taxed by other business tax provisions of this Chapter, shall pay a business tax of $50.00 for each $1,000.00 of gross receipts or fractional part thereof.
(c) For purposes of this section, a “medical marijuana collective” means any activity regulated or permitted by Article 5.1 of this Code or Health and Safety Code sections 11362.5, et seq., that involves planting, cultivating, harvesting, transporting, dispensing, delivering, providing, manufacturing, compounding, converting, processing, preparing, storing, packaging, or testing any part of the marijuana plant for medical purposes.
(iv) Anything else of value obtained by a medical marijuana collective.
(e) All taxpayers subject to this section must pay the full tax imposed by this section regardless of any rebate, exemption, incentive, or other reduction set forth elsewhere in the Municipal Code, except as required by California or Federal Law. No provision in the Municipal Code can lower the tax rate set forth in this section or otherwise reduce the amount of taxes paid hereunder unless the provision specifically states that the reduction applies.
(f) The City Council may impose the tax authorized by this section at a lower rate and may establish exemptions, incentives, or other reductions as otherwise allowed by the Charter and California law. No action by the Council under this paragraph shall prevent it from later increasing the tax or removing any exemption, incentive, or reduction and restoring the maximum tax specified in this section.
Dispensaries are a “prohibited home occupation” under the same Municipal Code section that bans home-based adult businesses, massage parlors, etc.
No code section nor ordinance is cited, but the city website says medical cannabis dispensaries are prohibited.
Ordinance 2006-10 extends the city’s moratorium on the establishment and operation of medical marijuana dispensaries. It was preceded by Ordinances 2005-7 and 2005-11. The text of the moratorium and its expiration date are not readily accessible on the city’s muni code database.
Medical cannabis dispensaries are expressly prohibited in the city’s zoning ordinance. Refer to city ordinance 4096, no date provided.
Porterville passed an interesting ordinance in 2007 that would allow dispensaries to apply for city licenses, with conditions that aren’t as onerous as those seen in other cities. The teeth of the ordinance is found in a clause that codifies the city’s practice of refusing licenses to businesses that violate federal law. The same concept of federal pre-emption is central to Qualified Patients Association vs. City of Anaheim, an important test case that is expected to provide some legal clarity … someday.
The city repealed its earlier dispensary law after the Pack v. Long Beach ruling.
COLLECTIVE OR COOPERATIVE CULTIVATION: The association within California of qualified patients, persons with valid identification cards, and designated primary caregivers to cultivate marijuana for medical purposes as defined in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code sections 11362.5 and 11362.7 et seq.
CULTIVATION OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA: The growing of medical marijuana for medical purposes as defined in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code sections 11362.5 and 11362.7 et seq.
MEDICAL MARIJUANA: Is defined in strict accordance with California Health and Safety Code sections 11018, 11362.5, and 11362.7 et seq.
To the extent that the city is required to allow the cultivation of medical marijuana under state law, the regulations set forth herein shall apply. Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to permit medical marijuana dispensaries otherwise prohibited by this chapter or the city’s zoning regulations.
A. Secure Enclosed Structure: The cultivation of medical marijuana shall at all times occur in a secure, locked, and fully enclosed structure, including a ceiling, roof or top.
B. Patient Cultivation: For qualified patients and persons with identification cards, the following shall apply: Each qualified patient and person with an identification card may cultivate in any residential zone district up to six (6) mature or twelve (12) immature marijuana plants, or as otherwise recommended by a doctor in accordance with California Health and Safety Code section 11362.77, up to a maximum of twenty four (24) plants, whether mature or immature.
C. Primary Caregiver Cultivation: For primary caregivers, the following shall apply: Each primary caregiver may cultivate in any residential zone district, or within the grounds of a clinic, healthcare facility, residential care facility, or residential hospice licensed pursuant to applicable provisions of the California Health and Safety Code and located in the PO (professional office) district, C-AO (administrative and office commercial) district, CN (neighborhood commercial) district, or CC (central and community commercial) district, up to six (6) mature or twelve (12) immature marijuana plants, or as otherwise recommended by a doctor, for each qualified patient in accordance with Health and Safety Code section 11362.77, up to a maximum of twenty four (24) plants for all qualified patients combined, whether mature or immature, and subject to the medical marijuana dispensary prohibition.
Dozens of dispensaries operate in the city despite being prohibited. A new ordinance under development would cap the number of dispensaries.
The city first prohibited dispensaries with interim urgency Ordinance No. 2004-024. Ordinance No. 2006-002, an Interim Urgency Ordinance of the City of San Leandro Making Findings and Extending Ordinance No. 2005-001, a Moratorium on the Establishment and Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Pending the Review and Possible Amendment of Zoning Regulations Applicable to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, was passed in January 2006. I wasn’t able to locate a permanent ordinance from this time period on the city’s website.
In November 2010, the City Council approved Minute Order No. 2010-040, Motion Approving and Issuing a Written Report, as Required by Government Code Section 65858(d), Describing the Measures Taken to Alleviate the Conditions Which Led to the Adoption of the Interim Urgency Ordinance Imposing a Moratorium on Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Marijuana Cultivation Facilities, or Other Land Uses that Could Be Proposed Should Proposition 19 Be Approved by Voters on November 2, 2010.
The City Council approved and issued a written report, as required by Government Code Section 65858(d), describing the measures taken to alleviate the conditions which led to the adoption of the interim urgency ordinance imposing a moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries, marijuana cultivation facilities, or other land uses that could be proposed should Proposition 19 be approved by voters on November 2, 2010.
On Nov. 15, 2010, An Interim Urgency Ordinance of the City of San Leandro Making Findings and Extending a Temporary Moratorium on the Establishment and Operation of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Marijuana Cultivation Facilities, or Other Land Uses that Relate to the Dispensing or Cultivation Facilities Pending the Review and Possible Amendment of Zoning Regulations Applicable to Medical Marijuana Dispensaries, Marijuana Cultivation Facilities, or Other Land Uses that Relate to Dispensing or Cultivating Medical Marijuana was passed to print and adopted.
Click here for more information about the city’s revised regulations.
Click here to read the staff report about a November ballot measure that would ban storefront dispensaries.
The city adopted an urgency ordinance (1852) prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries on Nov. 17, 2009, and extended the ordinance Dec. 8, 2009 (1854). PDFs of the ordinances are not available online.
MARIJUANA: All parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., including, the seeds thereof; the resin extracted from any part of the plant; and every component, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant, its seeds or resin.
(A) Uses related to medical marijuana, including, but not limited to, dispensing, cultivating, selling or using medical marijuana are hereby prohibited in the city of Selma.
– There’s no misdemeanor penalty for code violations unless they’re “specifically identified” in the Municipal Code. Fines, yes, maybe even an infraction, plus court costs and other unpleasantries. When the cops show up at your door and threaten to arrest you for violation of the city’s growing ban (and trust me, they probably will), you can put on your pre-Prop. 215 game face and ask to see a warrant.
– If you get a stern lecture and a ticket instead, it’s still a bummer but you can follow the city’s appeals process.
– Collective-dispensary operators have bigger things to worry about than city fines and infractions these days, but they can add up quickly with daily violations. Consult your attorney.
The only problem is that violation of federal marijuana laws cannot be used as the “sole basis” for enforcing a city or state law, according to state appellate court rulings. This old-school language, which dates back to about 2004-5, is subject to challenge.
Tracy’s ordinance also doesn’t specify dispensaries and cultivation as prohibited land uses in the Municipal Code. It seems to rely on the notion that dispensaries are not legal under state law, either. California’s appellate courts have ruled that some dispensaries are legal and some are not, depending on the specific circumstances.
Federal or state laws aside, the city’s ordinance is a per se ban, prohibiting all types of medical cannabis dispensaries and cultivation, even growing by individual patients. It doesn’t distinguish between outdoor or indoor cultivation or list them as prohibited uses in the city’s building code. Even it did, several key cases involving per se dispensary bans are under review by the California Supreme Court; I wouldn’t bet the farm on Tracy’s ordinance standing up.
No medical marijuana dispensary as defined in Section 17.14.020 shall be permitted in any zone within the city. (Ord. 1813 § 3, 2007; prior code § 9401.014) “Medical marijuana dispensary” means a facility or location, whether fixed or mobile, which provides, makes available or distributes marijuana to a primary caregiver, a qualified patient or a person with an identification card issued in accordance with California Health and Safety Code Sections 11362.5 et seq.
Medical marijuana dispensary regulations and taxes (2011); approved by city voters November 2011.
The city did not ban medical marijuana dispensaries per se, but it did prohibit any business or land use that violates state or federal laws. That includes medical marijuana dispensaries and cultivation.

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