By unanimous vote at the July 7th meeting, Orinda's City Council adopted an ordinance imposing a 45-day moratorium on the establishment and operation of a medical marijuana dispensary (MMD) within the City. According to Planning Department Director Emmanuel Ursu, the Planning Department was recently approached about obtaining a permit for the creation of an MMD in Orinda, which does not have an ordinance specifically allowing medical marijuana dispensaries.
Although the possession, use, manufacture and distribution of marijuana are illegal under Federal laws, California voters legalized the medical use of marijuana in 1996. Two jurisdictions in Contra Costa County, Martinez and Pinole, allow MMDs, seven prohibit MMDs, and ten others, including Lafayette and Moraga, currently do not have an MMD ordinance. During the 45-day moratorium period, the City staff will investigate and draft proposed regulations of MMDs for the Council's consideration.