There were a mix of emotions in the Tulare County Board of Supervisors Building. Supervisors were looking to pass a medical marijuana moratorium. A move to slow down retail growth and give the county time to work on a permanent pot ordinance.
Tammy Murray said, "We were sweating bullets." She was sweating bullets because up to this point, she thought she was going to lose her business. She owns CannaCanHelp Inc. in Goshen, a medical marijuana collective.
She addressed the board, "It took me five years to build my business, I was hoping to get more than three minutes to defend it."
County Supervisors heard Murray out and gave her an extra minute to explain, "There are people coming to my club... you're essentially giving them a death sentence."
Murray says her business is in line with county guidelines. It's closed off, at least 1,000 feet away from any school or public park. County supervisors say they weren't trying to shut her down, it was just a misunderstanding.
County Counsel, Kathleen Bales-Lange said, "We've looked at the ordinance and we certainly can add to clarify to the public, establishment of as opposed to all."
The board approved the amended 45 day moratorium. A unanimous decision to keep new medical marijuana businesses from popping up and established ones from expanding.
County Supervisor Steve Worthley said, "I would anticipate they would come back in 45 days with an ordinance that would prevent the addition of such facilities within Tulare County going on into the future."
Just another step in the process for the county but a moment of relief for Murray, "This is my backyard, I want to be proud of Tulare County for this."
County supervisors say the real problem is the grow sites and the illegal activity they cause, something a permanent pot ordinance will likely address.
After 45 days, the board can choose to extend the moratorium.
TXT 24
Twitter
Facebook