Rules put in place to grow medicinal marijuana in S. Tahoe
By Kathryn Reed
The South Lake Tahoe City Council barely discussed the cultivation of medicinal marijuana at its meeting May 2.
Changes made from input given at the April meeting were incorporated into the policy the council is expected to approve at its May 17 meeting. The first reading of the ordinance was Tuesday.
Changes from last month include separating out the penalty structure for those who are found be violating the ordinance who have a permit and for those who don’t. Infractions will be harsher for those in the second category.
Only one person spoke during the public hearing.
Jerida Vochatzer said, “I don’t know where to start. I’m outraged. Druggies don’t follow rules.”
To which Mayor Hal Cole said, “I agree this ordinance doesn’t address smoking marijuana.”
Vochatzer responded, “Why are we allowing them to smoke pot?”
The ordinance the city has crafted has to do with allowing people to grow pot for medical reasons under the auspices of Proposition 215.
Councilman Tom Davis was still miffed the names of people with permits to grow the weed will not be public information unless they are found in violation of the ordinance.
Councilwoman Claire Fortier explained to him health laws are murky in terms of privacy issues, plus it’s a safety issue in not wanting people to break into a residence with a legal pot grow.
In other South Tahoe pot news, at the second meeting in June a draft ordinance regulating dispensaries is slated to be discussed. City Attorney Patrick Enright expects to have the document out in circulation in the next 10 days.
“Why are we allowing them to smoke pot?”
Prohibition worked so well that we should try it again. Vochatzer’s point is ridiculous.
I live in America, the land of the free! No one should be able have any say whether or not I smoke anything in the privacy of my own home. If it doesn’t affect you why do you care so much? I am sick and tired of people defending alcohol, smoking, caffine, or any other “immoral act” who then turn around and tell others they can’t enojoy a joint at the end of a day. What makes marijuana so bad?
I believe growing weed in an apartment, duplex or any other attached building should be illegal. There’s too many chances for an electrical fire and other health issues which can later lead to lawsuits. I ask the city to reconsider banning the growing of weed in these types of residential buildings although it looks to be too late.
Indeed, Bob. Should it also be illegal to grow house plants? Imagine the danger of growing dill or parsley! OMG. This whole issue is silly. The United States is about freedom. We shouldn’t waste our time and energy on things that have a negligible impact on our society. We have plenty of real issues to deal with.
What is the County’s position on pot growing?
I don’t grow my houseplants with 1000 watt light bulbs and extension cords running all over the house as seen by growers who have destroyed homes by electrical fires and mold. Nothing against weed my man just don’t grow it on the other side of my wall. That’s a little to close for comfort.
I’m growing mine in the county where there are no regulations!
Maybe its too late, but I have 2 questions about this issue. First, when there are places in town where a person can buy cannabis, why does anyone need to grow it? I don’t need to “grow” aspirin at home because I can buy it. My second question was brought up by “Steven”. Why didn’t the city council just make it illegal in city limits and make it an issue for the county? Just wondering? Thanks
“why does anyone need to grow it?”
It is their right.
“Why didn’t the city council just make it illegal in city limits”
They can’t, it is not their right.
“Robot”, O.K. That answers my question, I didn’t know so I asked. Thanks.
“Prohibition worked so well that we should try it again.”
Conservation robot, I agree!
Why is it legal to drink alcohol and smoke cigarettes when it is SO much worse for your health.
There are a lot more pressing issues that smoking pot. The only health issue with pot smoking is the smoking part…and then theres the option of edibles.
Its an herb used to help people with health issues or stress, not a harmful drug.
How about we deal with all the people who use meth or coke…I think thats more important.