Medical marijuana dominates discussion with lieutenant
The sheriff’s Citizen Advisory Group had so much to say about medical marijuana dispensaries coming to Ramona that Lt. Rich Williams suggested a future meeting be held solely on that topic.
Williams, head of the sheriff’s Ramona station, met with the select group of citizens who each represent an organization in the community, in the station’s conference room Nov. 19. Medical marijuana dispensaries was one of the agenda topics as four operations are proposed for Ramona. One, at 1210 Olive St., should be opening soon, said Williams.
“We believe it’s going to be a problem,” Williams said of dispensaries in the community.
Concerns include impaired drivers traveling the winding roads in and out of Ramona, and marijuana getting into the hands of youths.
Although the lieutenant said he is against the dispensaries opening in Ramona, he said his hands are tied due to government regulations. The sheriff’s department’s role is to check for compliance before issuing an operating certificate, as required by county ordinance. The county’s Planning and Development Services issues the building permits.
Medical marijuana is legal in the state of California, and Nancy Roy, community outreach liaison with Palomar Health, cautioned the advisory group that the November 2016 ballot could have an initiative to legalize marijuana also for recreational use.
If that happens, Ramona Community Planning Group chair Jim Piva said, “Ramona will be the magnet to buy marijuana.”
To purchase medical marijuana, a medical marijuana identification card is required, however some say getting such a card is easy. Card holders must be 18 years of age. Per county ordinance, the dispensaries can only be on industrial-zoned parcels and must be at least 1,000 feet from schools, recreation centers, youth centers, churches, playground parks and residential zoning.
In addition to the Olive Street site, applications for dispensaries have been submitted for 618 Pine St and 736 Montecito Way. A medical marijuana grow operation is proposed for 2338 Montecito Road. A preliminary review of that operation was on the Ramona Design Review Board’s Nov. 19 agenda, but chair Rob Lewallen said the applicant canceled last minute and will likely be on the Dec. 17 agenda. The facility is listed as an informational item on the Ramona Community Planning Group’s Dec. 3 agenda.
Roy provided a lot of information regarding medical marijuana dispensaries. Her job, she said, includes preventing youths from using the drug, which can trigger psychotic behaviors or mental health issues. With youth, the perception of harm from marijuana drops, she said.
Those at the meeting suggested a program be held at the high school on the harmful effects of drugs, since the dispensary on Olive Street will be opening soon.
Advisory group members asked about the kinds of products sold in the dispensary. Williams said they can offer edibles, which should be required for FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approval.
“I can promise you, they don’t use their best products in edibles,” said Williams.
According to Roy, many cities surrounding the Ramona area have passed ordinances to prevent medical marijuana dispensaries from coming in. Williams said he believes the county cannot supersede state regulations.
With brick and mortar stores not allowed in some cities, some businesses have turned to delivery services for medical marijuana, said Roy, and the cities want to clamp down on that. There is also an app that shows the nearest dispensary, she said.
“It grows all the time,” said Roy.
“Remember there’s a lot of money to be made,” said Williams, adding that some operations are partnering with other agencies or with sovereign nations. Roy noted that the former Santa Ysabel casino building is being redesigned for marijuana cultivation “because on Indian land, they can do it.”
Roy passed out a letter from the State Board of Equalization that states a new law, the Medical Marijuana and Safety Act, that goes into effect March 1, 2016, declares the state will have sole authority over licensing and regulatory framework for all aspects of the medical marijuana industry in California. A provision, however, asserts that state law will not supersede local ordinances that have been passed by March 1, states the letter.
Williams set a date for the advisory group to meet Dec. 7 to talk more about the medical marijuana dispensary issues.
In other business at the meeting:
▪ Don Wendt with Ramona Trails Association said the group plans to clean up sections of the Santa Maria Creek on Jan. 10 and will be looking for volunteers.
▪ Williams talked about graffiti that has been popping up and the volunteer group in the community that goes out and paints over it.