More signatures from Medi-pot supporters

Locals fighting what they call a restrictive medical marijuana ordinance adopted by the Butte County Board of Supervisors in February have submitted to the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office 10,604 voter signatures—7,605 valid ones are needed—to place a softer measure on the November ballot.

In March, those against the ordinance, including District 2 supervisor candidate Andrew Merkel, turned in enough signatures to force the board to either kill the measure, which amended an active cultivation ordinance, or put it to a vote. They put that one to the vote, and now a second measure—similar to the one that was amended—will go before the voters if enough signatures are validated.

“We can challenge the Board of Supervisors, but we can’t take away the people’s right to change the ordinance,” Merkel said.