The City of San Diego will continue targeting medical marijuana dispensaries, setting aside Mayor Bob Filner's directive to police and code compliance officers to halt code enforcement, officials announced Tuesday.
Filner had said he wanted to present a new ordinance to regulate medical marijuana dispensaries, and in the meantime, dismiss violaters' cases.
However the mayor backed down from this effort Thursday when the City Council voted unanimously to not dismiss the cases.
"As I’ve said before, I want those who legitimately need medical marijuana for the relief of pain to have access to it legally," ordinanceaid in a statement. "That is the compassionate thing to do.”
He still hopes to introduce an ordinance to the city council sometime over the next month that will allow for "reasonable regulation" of dispensaries in San Diego, he said.
“I appreciate the Mayor’s leadership in moving the City toward a solution on medical marijuana dispensaries," said City Attorney Jan Goldsmith. "Our office looks forward to working with the Mayor and City Council on an ordinance."
"In the meantime, we will maintain the status quo through enforcement of current laws," Goldsmith added.
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