§ 12D-1. Findings and purpose.

A.

In enacting this chapter, it is the intent of the city council of the City of Colusa to protect the safety and welfare of the general public. The federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC 841, prohibits the possession, sale and distribution of marijuana, and the city council finds that sanctioning the opening or establishment of medical marijuana collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries would be inconsistent with federal law.

B.

Furthermore, the city council finds that medical marijuana dispensaries are public nuisances in that many violent crimes have been committed that can be traced back to the proliferation of marijuana dispensaries, including armed robberies and murders. Increased noise and pedestrian traffic, including nonresidents in pursuit of marijuana, and out of area criminals in search of prey, are commonly encountered near outside marijuana collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries.

C.

Allowing medical marijuana collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries would be inconsistent with the city's mission statement for the City of Colusa "to provide and maintain a progressive, family-oriented, safe community" because medical marijuana dispensaries attract crime and detract from legitimate businesses. Therefore, in order to protect the integrity of the city and the goals upon which this city were founded, the city council finds that it is in the best interest of the residents of the city to prohibit marijuana collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries.

D.

The purpose of this chapter is to prohibit medical marijuana collectives, cooperatives and dispensaries from being opened or established in the City of Colusa. Nothing in this chapter shall be deemed to permit or authorize any use or activity which is otherwise prohibited by any state or federal law.

(Ord. No. 486, § 2, 3-5-2013)