Marin County bans nonmedical cannabis businesses

Still pondering how many medical marijuana dispensaries to approve, Marin County has banned nonmedical cannabis business activities in unincorporated areas.

Action comes in anticipation of Jan. 1, 2018, when recreational use of cannabis would be legal under Prop. 64 passed by voters in November. It authorizes the sale, regulation, taxation and growth of cannabis but requires local agencies to set up controls, in addition to state rules now being written.

Marin County, which is holding hearings now on where to allow medical cannabis dispensaries, did not want to leave the county position on recreational cannabis businesses unclear — perhaps opening the door for some to try outdoor growing.

'Given the uncertainty as to what guidelines the state may establish to implement Proposition 64, a ban preserves our ability to have local control,' said Tom Lai, county Community Development Agency assistant director. 'Our priority is to consider potential locations and licenses for medical cannabis dispensaries.'