Ordinance Opponents Cry Foul

by Chris Gilbert KUBA News Director

A recall vote is being sought against Yuba County supervisors from opponents of new medical marijuana growing restrictions. Eric Salerno, with Yuba Patients Coalition, says they’re initially targeting Mary Jane Griego and John Nicoletti, but would like to see all five members booted from office. He says the stricter growing limits were also passed as an urgency ordinance which, he says, also illegally prevented opponents from forcing a public vote before the ordinance could take effect. An urgency ordinance takes effect immediately, instead of in 30 days. Salerno says a temporary restraining order against the ordinance will likely be filed around March 20th. He says the ban on outdoor growing and limit to 12 indoor plants does not provide an adequate amount for treating illnesses. He says outdoor plants produce about eight 8 ounces, while indoor produce maybe an ounce. Also, some people are not physically able to grow it, and have had to rely on other growers who will no longer have enough to share.