Marijuana Patient Group Formed
Sonora, CA — The Collective Patient Resources (CPR) has started a chapter in Tuolumne County. CPR says the chapter was formed after a strong showing from the public at a Tuolumne County Planning Commission hearing last December, regarding a new medical marijuana ordinance.
Calaveras County Collective Patient Resources Spokesperson Tom Liberty says, “When over 100 people showed up, it looked like Tuolumne was actually ready to start a chapter. Ready to maybe stay organized, and not just be a reactive group that comes out when there is a problem, but start participating in the law making process.”
The proposed ordinance would amend the existing zoning code regarding medical marijuana. It would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries, collectives and outdoor cultivation. It would also place restrictions on the indoor cultivation of medicinal marijuana. CPR says a large number of county residents feel that the proposed regulations are too restrictive, and the group wants to encourage compromise.
In January, the planning commission recommended to the Board of Supervisors that the ordinance be referred to a committee, or task force, comprised of law enforcement, county staff, and people from the community that are medical marijuana patients. Liberty was in favor of that recommendation. He says the worst thing the board can do is table the issue until next year.
“Our organization is going to be encouraging the Board to not kick this issue down the road until next year,” he said. “The patient and cultivators need clear guidelines before May, which is the start of the growing season, so that they know what they can do.”
The Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors is holding a public hearing today. The Board could decide to approve the ordinance as its currently written, vote against, or take the commission’s recommendation to refer the ordinance to a new committee.
Long time Tuolumne resident, Eli Velderhuesen, will be the Primary Patient Services Coordinator in the County for the new chapter. CPR stopped proposed bans on outdoor cultivation in both Amador and Calaveras Counties
