'No Need For A Stampede': California Cities Ban Cannabis Sales Before Vote

Worried that California might legalize recreational marijuana, the states thirdlargest city by population has voted to ban marijuanasales ahead of Tuesdays election.

San Jose isnt alone in scrambling to block the possible effects of Proposition 64, which would legalize pot but also allow local bans on sales.

Dozens of cities and counties from tiny Blue Lake in the heart of Northern Californias potgrowing mecca to National City near the Mexico border have either imposed or are contemplating tough restrictions on recreational marijuana sales and cultivation.

However, under Proposition 64, which is winning in polls, local governments would not be able to prohibit people 21 and older from having up to six marijuana plants for personal use and possessing up to an ounce of pot.

San Jose bans outdoor gardens

City Council members in San Jose, with a population of a million people, said they passed the temporary ban Tuesday to give city officials time to develop regulations for sales and farming. Its ban includes a prohibition on outdoor gardens.

Most provisions of Proposition 64 wouldnt kick in until 2018 if its approved by a majority of voters.

Tim Cromartie, a lobbyist with the League of California Cities, said cities have months to create their own restrictions and dont need to hastily pass bans.

"There is no need for a stampede," Cromartie said. "Some are doing it out of an overabundance of caution."

Some cities along with Kings County about 200 miles south of San Francisco have imposed strict prohibitions they intend to keep in place.

"Its a gateway drug and its still illegal under federal law," said Kings County Supervisor Craig Pedersen, asserting that the social ills of marijuana outweigh any tax benefits to government. "This is still a very conservative community."

Officials in other communities such as Blue Lake say they may revisit the issue after further study.

"I dont think cities were given the opportunity to put regulations into place," said Blue Lake Mayor Michelle McCallWallace. "It all came pretty quickly and we didnt have time to study the zoning issues."

The proposition seeks approval and regulation of the recreational marijuana industry, from planting seeds to smoking buds. It would levy a 15 per cent state sales tax and require farmers to pay $9.25 for every ounce of marijuana or 8 grams of concentrate sold.

Cities and counties could add their own taxes and regulations.

Some 23 California cities and five counties have formally called for voters to defeat ...