By Ben Fassett
Staff Writer
Neighboring Kern County is raising arguments concerning the legality of medical marijuana distribution once again. On Feb. 21, County Supervisors rescinded the August 2011 ordinance banning dispensaries from Kern County after a successful ban block campaign by marijuana advocates.
A new policy is in the works, which if passed would limit the cooperatives to operating within industrial zones. Dispensaries must also maintain a distance of one mile from schools, parks, day care centers and other marijuana distributors. This new ordinance will be placed on the ballot on June 5.
Should voters reject the alternative ordinance, medical marijuana dispensaries will no longer be allowed to operate in Kern County. Advocates disagree, however, saying that they will challenge again should this come to pass.
There is still a standing limit of no more than 12 plants grown in the home, which is also being challenged by lawsuit against the county by medical marijuana advocates.
