Can’t get off the pot

Residents looking forward to the city of Chico’s proposed ordinance governing marijuana dispensaries and outdoor grows need to be long on patience.

During the latest round of discussion last Thursday (Aug. 5), the Planning Commission heard a report from staff and public testimony. About a dozen citizens spoke about the proposed law that would require a land-use amendment. Most of them were medical-marijuana advocates concerned that the city law could impede their rights to grow and obtain the herb.

The meeting ran long, however, so the commissioners agreed to reconvene on the issue. They will tackle it again on Sept. 16—less than two months prior to the November election in which California voters will weigh in on an initiative to legalize the drug. The panel ultimately will make a recommendation to the City Council, which has been discussing the matter for months.