Jackson – The Amador County Board of Supervisors addressed the current moratorium regarding medical cannabis dispensaries in Amador County, highlighting a growing statewide debate on marijuana legalization for medical purposes. Robert Allen of the Gold Country Harvest organization urged the Board to repeal its moratorium in light of President Barack Obama’s recent announcement that his administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws. Allen highlighted the personal importance of his request with a story about his late mother, whose appetite he said was restored and pain reduced by the use of medical marijuana in her final days. Supervisor Brian Oneto recounted his experience with a former neighbor and young cancer-patient whose “skin turned black” from early radiation treatments. He said medical marijuana was used in that case to help relieve the boy’s pain. In June of 2004, the board adopted Ordinance 1598, making medical cannabis dispensaries within unincorporated areas effective as an urgency ordinance. One year later, the board adopted ordinance 1620, repealing that prior approval. Both decisions were made in cooperation with various local agencies. Board Chairman Ted Novelli asked if Obama is “working with his DEA agents and saying ‘don’t go out and arrest people’.” Amador County District Attorney Todd Riebe emphasized that Obama’s statement did not change federal law. He said that “as a practical matter, it’s probably true that there has been less intervention where federal authorities are involved.” He said it is possible to have local dispensaries that are compliant with the compassionate use act, a state proposition approved in 1996 that allows patients with a valid doctor’s recommendation, and the patient’s designated primary caregivers, to possess and cultivate marijuana for personal medical use. He warned that having local dispensaries “does not make you the primary caregiver.” Amador City resident Ethan Turner said conflicting legal definitions on medical marijuana use have created a “legal quagmire.” He said the constitutionality of Senate Bill 420, which clarified the scope of the Compassionate Use Act and established the Medical Marijuana Program, is being challenged in California Supreme Court. Robert Allen suggested putting in place a program to “control and regulate” local dispensaries. Supervisor Louis Boitano said he was open to developing guidelines, but said he doesn’t want it bringing “a lot of riff raff” from the bay area. Supervisor Richard Forster said he liked the idea of developing guidelines “so we’re not scrambling…if the president changes the law and makes it legal.” The board agreed to put together a staff workgroup to research the issue further. It will likely include representatives from the Sheriff’s Department, the District Attorney’s office, Social Services and members of the public. Story by Alex Lane This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.