Supes say ‘nay’ to dispensaries

After a very short discussion Tuesday (Oct. 25), the Butte County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to ban medical-marijuana dispensaries.

The decision came three months before a moratorium on the facilities was set to expire. Several people spoke on the topic, mostly advocating against banning dispensaries.

“There are patients out there and they are suffering,” said Andrew Merkel, whose North Valley Holistic Health shut its doors last week after the feds threatened its landlord. The dispensary was the only one in Butte County and had 6,000-7,000 patients. “You’re creating a black market.”

When it came down to it, though, the recent crackdown by the U.S. Department of Justice on dispensaries and threats to local governments were enough for the board.

“I am afraid of the feds,” summed up Supervisor Maureen Kirk.

Opponents are considering a referendum, so stay tuned.