FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Fresno City Council unanimously votes 7 – 0 to begin changes to allow for medicinal marijuana.
Fresno’s Police Chief Jerry Dyer says he has changed his position on the use of medicinal marijuana, saying there are abuses with marijuana but abuses with prescription drugs as well.
He hoped council proceeded with caution and allows his department to be involved so they can regulate – as the black markets rise.
District Attorney Lisa Smittcamp says she’s sympathetic to people who need medicinal marijuana but there are costs and consequences and she agrees with Fresno’s police chief, who says the black market will increase in the city.
Fresno Council President Clint Olivier had called a recess to talk with Counselors Paul Caprioglio and Oliver Baines on their original marijuana proposal, which drew the ire from Council Member Gary Bredefeld.
There was a heated discussion afterwards over whether they were actually voting for recreational or medicinal marijuana.
In the end, council decided to go ahead and approve the text amendment – legalization of marijuana distribution, and cultivation for medical purposes, and not for recreational use.
Click below to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
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