Assembly votes to undermine safe access to medical marijuana

The Assembly voted 54-15 to approve A.B. 2650, which would prohibit medical marijuana dispensing collectives from operating within 600 feet of a school. It now moves to the Senate. This bill, which is sponsored by Asm. Joan Buchanan (D-Alamo), usurps the authority of local cities and counties to set their own standards for medical marijuana. In addition, any restrictions on collectives should be accompanied by clearer recognition for dispensaries. MPP and our allies oppose this bill and have succeeded in making it less damaging. In its original form, the buffer was 1,000 feet and several other locations were included. A.B. 2650 also now grandfathers in dispensaries that are in localities with pre-existing ordinances that are less strict.