Two is enough; Riverbank calls time out on more pot shops
City leaders unanimously banned additional marijuana dispensaries, but not before several people chastised them for approving two others in recent weeks.
The moratorium will last six months, and could be extended if the City Council hasn't by then gathered enough feedback on how the first two are doing.
Neither — Flavors, at Oakdale and Patterson roads, or Riverbank Cannabis Collective, at 6609 Third St. downtown — has opened yet, and officials want to gauge their reception and willingness to abide by the rules, before entertaining more applications.
Two weeks ago, Mayor Richard O'Brien said City Hall had received seven more inquiries. At Tuesday's council meeting, staff said the moratorium will affect only two companies with official applications, and one withdrew upon learning of the pending ban.
The two dispensaries about to open drew vigorous opposition from some residents in December and earlier this month. But council members opted to regulate marijuana sales, to maintain control and receive some income spelled out in deals with the two companies. Modesto, Oakdale, Ceres, Patterson, Sonora and Stanislaus County also have indicated they will regulate dispensaries.
Some in Tuesday's audience were polite. For example, Scott McRitchie thanked the council for stopping at two dispensaries, and taking time to evaluate them before considering more.
"The argument, `If we can't beat 'em, let's join 'em, but watch them very closely' is not a viable strategy in this war on the health and well-being and future potential of our youth," said Jennifer Miyakawa, a Riverbank resident and Sylvan schools trustee.
Others angrily shared frustrations, with talk of a referendum on the two approved dispensaries. If pursued, that could feature petitions followed by a vote of the people in hopes of overriding the council's actions.
"You won't allow another bar, but you will allow drug shops. I just can't believe it," said Haskell Moore.
Leticia Hidalgo said, "Your people are speaking, and we're not for it."
Proponents have said they will employ security guards who won't permit children in the dispensaries. Use of cannabis products in any form at either site is prohibited, the city said.
Garth Stapley: 209-578-2390
This story was originally published January 24, 2018 at 3:32 PM with the headline "Two is enough; Riverbank calls time out on more pot shops."