After two months of political wrangling, Fresno no closer to rules for growing pot

It’s been more than two months since the Fresno City Council gave its initial approval, on a contentious 4-3 vote, to a law that puts heavy restrictions on growing pot within the city. But it can’t become official and take effect until 30 days after the council approves it with a second vote – and that hasn’t happened yet.

The third time was not a charm Thursday, as the council voted 4-3 to remove the issue from the agenda. Since the original vote on June 22, one vote ended in a 3-3 tie; earlier this month, the council postponed the issue for more study.

Thursday’s vote to pull the ordinance does not kill the proposal, but it effectively leaves the proposal in a continuing state of limbo until the seven-member council can either muster four votes for the ordinance or four votes against it. City Attorney Douglas Sloan told The Bee that there is no time limit for the council to take action between the first and second readings of new ordinances.

The ordinance – if it ever gets approved – would bring Fresno into alignment with California law following the passage in November of Proposition 64. Councilman Garry Bredefeld’s law would revise the city’s current outright ban on any marijuana cultivation, instead allowing for individuals to grow up to six plants inside their home for their own personal use. That’s the same number that is granted by right to marijuana users by Proposition 64.

This story was originally published August 24, 2017 at 12:12 PM with the headline "After two months of political wrangling, Fresno no closer to rules for growing pot."