ARROYO GRANDE - The Arroyo Grande City Council has voted to begin amending its existing ordinance that bans storefront medical marijuana dispensaries in the city to also include so-called mobile dispensaries or medical marijuana delivery services.
The San Luis Obispo County Grand Jury says inconsistent ordinances have created a "gray market" for medical marijuana in the county.
In its report issued this summer entitled "Out of Sight, Out of Mind, Medical Marijuana in San Luis Obispo County", The Grand Jury found more mobile dispensaries from out of the area are delivering medical marijuana to patients in the county.
The Grand Jury says cities need to do a better job of regulating the medical marijuana delivery businesses.
The Arroyo Grande City Council's decision to move forward with banning the mobile businesses altogether has mixed reviews from city residents and business owners we spoke with.
"I think its been abused obviously", said one resident, "I don't agree with having it (medical marijuana) personally, we know someone who has a (medical marijuana) card and he's not sick."
"They should legalize it more and make it more restricted", adds another resident, "that way its taken care of more and it helps people that need help and you can tax it and make money off it."
"I am a supporter of it and yes I do feel that its been abused", adds a local business owner, "there are people that take advantage of the system and that just hurts the people that do need it."
The City of Grover Beach has also considered expanding its ordinance to include banning mobile marijuana dispensaries or delivery services within the city.
The Arroyo Grande City Council is expected to take up the matter of amending its medical marijuana ordinance at its meeting next week.
