Legal News

Central Coast pot dispensaries spark controversies in shadow of possible ban

By Richard Binder

Purple Cross Rx, a medical marijuana dispensary that opened a couple weeks ago in Hollister, is already preparing for its first legal battle.

Officials in Hollister claim the dispensary is operating in violation of zoning laws.  They plan to serve Scott McPhail, the dispensary's director, and his landlord Greg Dolan with a shut-down order.  Purple Cross Rx will have to shutter within 30 days or face penalties that may include fines up to $1,000 a day.

McPhail counters that, being a nonprofit, Purple Cross is zoned for the area.  Victor Gomez, the mayor of Hollister, acknowledges that the legalities may not be cleared up until a decision is made on a pending state appeals court case in Southern California considering whether cities and counties can prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries.

Medical marijuana dispensaries have sprung up around the Central Coast, with four in Gilroy alone, but a city ban might go into effect as early as February 24.

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Full post as published by Legal Pad | LA on January 19, 2010 (boomark / email).