Amador County – About a dozen local growers were audibly unhappy that the Amador County Board of Supervisors did not yet finalize its new medical marijuana ordinance last week.
Amador County Counsel Greg Gillott said it is the intention of the Board of Supervisors to approve the new ordinance at its next meeting, March 27, pending revisions as directed. He said the intention to approve it means that county staff will not enforce the existing ban on outdoor medical marijuana growth, as the growing season approaches.
The new ordinance allows for 24 plants on any one property, or 12 per patient with a doctor’s recommendation, up to 24 plants. It has other limits, and would take effect 30 days after approval.
During public comment last week, August Gonzaga of River Pines said the ban in place since November “puts a hardship on a lot of people.” He said “I know my district Supervisor is an honest man. I am an honest man.”
Gonazaga encouraged the approval of the ordinance, saying “we’d take that and be glad to have it at this time.” The draft at the time allowed up to 72 plants on a parcel, or 12 per patient, for up to 6 patients, but Supervisors agreed that the large number would cause problems, and was the whole reason they were there.
Robert Allen of Sutter Creek thanked Supervisors for allowing personal medical grows, though he personally would like to see the plant count a higher number because it may not be enough to get some people through the year.
Jason Cole, a medical marijuana patient, also urged approval, as did Marina Dobbie of the group “Patient Resources,” who said she felt it was a relatively reasonable decision. Lynn Owen of Sutter Creek said “I think it is a compromise we can live with,” and she wanted to continue with her “right,” and “bridge the gap” with her neighbors.
Sarah Heron said she is a Hospice nurse, and “you cannot imagine what a difference this will make in their lives.”
Emerson Grant of Ione said he is a disabled veteran and he and his wife had 10 plants last year, and “we’re almost out of our medicine.” He said 12 plants should get them through the year.
Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
