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Proposal May Keep Pot Dispensaries Close To Schools

POSTED: 5:16 pm PDT October 29, 2009
UPDATED: 7:33 pm PDT October 29, 2009

At least three medical marijuana dispensaries are selling the drug in close proximity to San Diego schools, but the people who run the dispensaries want to keep it that way, 10News reported.

In San Diego County, there are about 30 medical marijuana dispensaries and collectives. Pot shops can be found anywhere from Fallbrook to Ocean Beach.

In Pacific Beach, one dispensary is less than a half-mile away from Pacific Beach Elementary School.

The Oasis Herbal Center is even closer to a school -- just one-tenth of a mile away from Edison Elementary School.

The Point Loma Patient Association is also less than a half-mile from St. Charles Borromeo Academy.

Owners of the dispensaries and collectives said there is no law for them to follow right now.

"The city of San Diego realizes it's now time to take control of this situation," said attorney Dwayne Stein, who is representing the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), a group working to legalize marijuana.

On Friday, NORML will present their proposed ordinance to the city of San Diego.

"We have a lot collectives and cooperatives out there who are trying to run legally who have no guidance on how to do it, and all they're looking is for someone to say that do 'a,' do 'b,' do 'c,'" said Stein.

10News obtained details of NORML's proposed ordinance, and some of the requirements include:

  • Dispensary permit required
  • Business license tax liability
  • Store must be in public view
  • 500 feet away from a school, house of worship or special needs facility
  • Owners and employees must have a clean criminal record

    If the ordinance stands, it means some of the shops currently located near schools will not be shut down, as many are just more than 500 feet away.
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