Council votes to continue cases against medical marijuana dispen - San Diego, California News Station - KFMB Channel 8 - cbs8.com

Council votes to continue cases against medical marijuana dispensaries

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - The City Council Tuesday unanimously directed City Attorney Jan Goldsmith to continue prosecuting 11 civil cases against the owners of medical marijuana dispensaries in San Diego.

Assistant City Attorney Mary Jo Lanzafame announced that the council voted 6-0 "to direct the city attorney not to dismiss the subject cases, that the mayor will enforce existing law." and for the mayor and city attorney to quickly draft a new zoning law for dispensaries.

The vote took place after the City Attorney's Office updated the mayor's office and council members on the status of the cases in closed session and requested direction.

Earlier this month, Mayor Bob Filner ordered the San Diego Police Department and Neighborhood Compliance Office to stop targeted enforcement of dispensaries. Code violations found in routine inspections could still be cited, he said.

The City Council passed a pair of ordinances two years ago that allowed dispensaries to operate in the city, but included zoning requirements to keep them away from residences, parks and schools. Medical marijuana advocates felt the laws were too restrictive and collected enough signatures to get them rescinded.

That move, however, had the effect of making the dispensaries illegal and most of them have been shut down in the city.

Council President Todd Gloria said the Mayor's and City Attorney's offices planned to release a joint statement later Tuesday.