Tuesday night’s board meeting brought further discussion about medical marijuana dispensaries in the Valley. While medical marijuana dispensaries have been voted out of the city limits, advocates are lobbying the city council for a dispensary in an unincorporated area of Sonoma, like Boyes Hot Springs or Glen Ellen. The matter was agendized after a community member brought it to the board’s attention at the April meeting.
At issue is the proximity of any proposed dispensary to a school or environment that caters to children. Louann Carlomagno, Sonoma Valley Unified School District superintendent said according to Sonoma County Sheriff Bill Cogbill, an ordinance was recently overturned, resulting in a ban on opening new dispensaries in the county. Board members would like to take that measure a step further.
“This isn’t a stand against medical marijuana. Our concern is with MMDs and we think it is a significant one,” said Helen Marsh, school board president.
Board members agreed to draft a resolution that would prohibit medical marijuana dispensaries within 1,000 feet of a school building, or an establishment that serves children, and also within 1,000 feet of any pathway or route used to transport children to those same locations. According to Carlomagno, the parameters effectively cover the entire Valley, including the unincorporated areas. The issue will next be heard at the June board meeting.
