NEWS: Richmond scrambles to rein in jump in pot clubs

RICHMOND, CA—The city of Richmond is scrambling to rein in the spread of medical marijuana dispensaries drawn by a lack of rules on where or how many clubs can operate.

The city has identified eight dispensaries operating within its limits, nearly all of which have opened in the past year.

City leaders have passed an emergency moratorium on new clubs, and the City Council is scheduled to meet next month to discuss ways to regulate dispensaries.

In the meantime, the city attorney's office has issued cease-and-desist orders to existing dispensaries, arguing that distributing medical marijuana is not a permitted use in the city code.

In nearby Oakland, which has about four times the population of Richmond, only four dispensaries are allowed by law. Berkeley, about the same size as Richmond, allows three clubs.

Source: The Associated Press