Politics & Government

Corte Madera Maintains Stand On Marijuana

The Town Council votes to continue its ban on any new medical marijuana dispensaries, but leaves the door open for changes in the future depending on the California State Supreme Court.

Corte Madera Town Manager Dave Bracken says he believes, despite any stigma, the town's only medical marijuana dispensary has been a good citizen — part of the reason Marin Holistic Solutions isn't being asked to leave just yet.

The Corte Madera Town Council on Monday upheld a moratorium on any other medical marijuana dispensaries setting up shop in town. Bracken said he feels the Town Council might be open to changing that moratorium in the future.

"The main reason the Council wanted an ordinance is because the conflict between State and Federal Law right now is not clear," Bracken said. "The Council wants to let that run its course. The Council might introduce another ordinance to allow dispensaries sometime in the future, but that's really up in the air with the State Supreme Court decisions."

There are a number of cases currently being heard before the California State Supreme Court regarding the conflict between Federal bans on marijuana and California's Compassionate Use Law, passed by voters in 1995.

Marin Holistic Solutions will be allowed to continue to operate at least until its business license expires in June 2014. It might still be forced to move, however. California State law requires medical marijuana dispensaries to be at least 1,000 feet away from schools, and Bracken says Marin Holistic violates that ordinance.

But "really nothing is going to change in the immediate future," Bracken said.

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The Compassionate Use Act legalized medical marijuana possession and use for seriously ill patients, and prohibited any physician from being punished, or denied any right or privilege for recommending marijuana to a patient for medical purposes.

In 2003, Senate Bill (SB) 420 was passed as an extension and clarification of Proposition 215, establishing a voluntary state ID card system administered by county health departments and establishing guidelines as to how much marijuana may be possessed or grown. Learn more about California’s Medical Marijuana program.

Find out what's happening in Larkspur-Corte Maderawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Under California’s Compassionate Use Act, seriously ill residents who have the approval or recommendation of a physician, can use marijuana without fear of criminal liability for serious medical conditions including the following:

· Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

· Anorexia

· Arthritis

· Cachexia

· Cancer

· Chronic pain

· Glaucoma

· Migraine

· Persistent muscle spasms

· Seizures, including, but not limited to, seizures associated with epilepsy

· Severe nausea

· Any other chronic or persistent medical symptom that either substantially limits the ability of the person to conduct one or more major life activities as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; or if not alleviated, may cause serious harm to the patient's safety or physical or mental health 

How does marijuana work to ease physical symptoms

There are several cells in the brain and other organs that contain specific protein receptors (called cannabinoids) that recognize and respond to THC and other compounds found in the marijuana plant. These receptors, found in the brain, spinal cord and periphery, as well as in immune system tissue, function to help lessen pain and impact a wide range of physiological functions, such as metabolism, appetite, anxiety and immune function.  

For a comprehensive listing of conditions addressed by cannabis, visit the Americans for Safe Access Website.


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