Politicians in South County want to know what they're getting into before they approve medical marijuana dispensaries.
Chula Vista and National City have passed 45-day moratoriums that prohibit the licensing of marijuana dispensaries. Chula Vista city councilman Steve Castaneda says he believes the majority of his council is willing to allow the dispensaries. But they want to make sure they understand the state law and can be sure the businesses will follow the law. Castaneda says the city's power to license and permit allows it to regulate medical marijuana distribution.
"Now, the question is, if we want to allow these businesses to exist: How do we want them to operate, and where do we want them to operate?" he says.
Casteneda says the city may want to audit the dispensaries to make sure they aren't engaging in illegal sales. State law allows non-profit groups to collectively grow and distribute marijuana for medical use.
