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Merced bans medical pot – at least for now

Sun-Star Staff
An ordinance in the works in Merced would prohibit the sale of cannabis, as well as cultivation, shipping or receiving of the drug, including for medical use. Above, an employee at a medical marijuana dispensary in Sacramento waters young plants.
An ordinance in the works in Merced would prohibit the sale of cannabis, as well as cultivation, shipping or receiving of the drug, including for medical use. Above, an employee at a medical marijuana dispensary in Sacramento waters young plants. Rich Pedroncelli AP

Medical marijuana cardholders will not be allowed to grow cannabis for their own consumption after a vote Monday while the Merced City Council figures out what cultivation and dispensaries will be permitted in the city.

The council unanimously passed the ordinance with a 6-0 vote, which allows it to keep the city’s say over marijuana cultivation and sales. Councilman Noah Lor was absent.

If the city did not pass an ordinance, the state’s regulations would take precedence, city staff said.

Several members of the council said they believe that cannabis should be regulated and legalized for medical use in town, but they needed more time to draft the proper ordinance.

This story will be updated.

This story was originally published January 5, 2016 at 6:15 AM.

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