HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/3/2013 - STAFF REPORTS - 3.A. UeF0
ALM Citv Council Staff Report
Date: July 3, 2013 LEGISLATION
Subject: URGENCY ORDINANCE ADDING SECTION 6,08.150 TO THE PALM
SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF
MOBILE MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN THE CITY
From: Douglas Holland, City Attorney
SUMMARY
This is a proposal to adopt an urgency ordinance that would prohibit marijuana
dispensaries and deliveries in the City of Palm Springs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Waive reading of the full text and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. , "AN
URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA,
PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOBILE MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN THE
CITY."
STAFF ANALYSIS:
An unregulated industry of marijuana delivery services is circumventing the City's
medical cannabis regulatory program. This industry brings marijuana directly to
people's homes, offices and more unconventional locations. In many of these
operations, business operators use runners to make deliveries of marijuana in a manner
that is outside the guidelines of the Compassionate Use Act and the Medical Marijuana
Program Act. These couriers advertise in newspapers and on the internet, and they
advertise a wide range of strains and other products, such as brownies and cookies
laced with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. Essentially, these courier operations
appear to be efforts to bypass the City's regulatory program.
The exact number of delivery services operating in California is unclear, since the state
does not keep a registry of medical marijuana distributors. Several marijuana delivery
services advertise direct delivery of marijuana to patients in Palm Springs on
"Weed maps.com", an internet commercial listing service.
ITEM NO.
City Council Staff Report
July 3, 2013 -Page 2
Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries
An increase in mobile dispensaries has been found to coincide with successful
enforcement actions involving storefront dispensaries. According to a February 26, 2013
article in the San Diego Union Tribune, many mobile dispensaries sprouted up after
federal authorities targeted storefront operations in San Diego and Imperial Counties.
According to a DEA Special Agent, many of the shuttered businesses turned to delivery
services instead. It is not unreasonable for the City to expect the same in the City of
Palm Springs, particularly in light of the recent California Supreme Court decision that
upheld the authority of California cities to regulate marijuana dispensaries in their
communities.
An Inland Empire attorney who describes himself as one who represents "California
dispensary clients battling local government roadblocks" has been advising his
marijuana dispensary clients to change their business model as a result of the California
Supreme Court decision so that marijuana is distributed from a mobile source. This
attorney has represented dispensaries operating in the City of Palm Springs.
Mobile dispensaries have been associated with criminal activity. Delivery drivers, for
example, are targets of armed robbers who seek cash and drugs. As a result, many of
the drivers reportedly carry weapons or have armed guards as protection. Examples of
such criminal activity reported in the media include the following:
• In March of 2013, a West Covina deliveryman was reportedly robbed after
making a delivery. The deliveryman told police that he was approached by two subjects
in ninja costumes who chased him with batons. He was scared and dropped a bag with
some marijuana and money, which was taken by the suspects.
• In February of 2013, a Temecula deliveryman was reportedly robbed of cash
outside of a Denny's restaurant, which led to a vehicular chase that continued until the
robbers' vehicle eventually crashed on a freeway on ramp.
• In January of 2013, marijuana deliverymen in Imperial Beach were reportedly
robbed after being stopped by assailants (one with a brandished semi-automatic
handgun) after making a stop.
• In January 2013, a deliveryman in Riverside was reportedly robbed of three
ounces of marijuana while making a delivery outside a Carl's Jr. restaurant, and he told
police that the suspect may have had a gun.
• In May of 2012, a 23-year-old deliverywoman in La Mesa was reportedly shot in
the face with a pellet gun. After running away, the assailants carjacked her vehicle.
• In August of 2011, a medical marijuana deliveryman was reportedly robbed of
$20,000 worth of his marijuana (approximately 9 pounds) and a cellular phone in
Fullerton. The driver suffered a head cut.
• In June of 2011, a marijuana delivery from a Los Angeles mobile dispensary
turned deadly in Orange County when four individuals reportedly ambushed the mobile
dispensary driver and his armed security guard and tried to rob them. One of the
suspects approached the delivery vehicle and confronted the driver and a struggle
ensued. A second suspect armed with a handgun, approached the security guard, who
fired at the suspect hitting him multiple times.
In April of 2011, a customer reportedly made arrangements for a medical
marijuana deliveryman to meet him in a Safeway parking lot in Salinas. The
02
City Council Staff Report
July 3, 2013 - Page 3
Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries
deliveryman had about $1,000 in cash and 1.5 pounds of marijuana. As the deliveryman
began weighing the order, he looked up and saw a silver handgun in his face. The
customer stole money and marijuana. The judge sentenced the customer to five years
in state prison.
• In May of 2010, a college student who delivers medical marijuana door-to-door
was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in Richmond. The assailants took $1,000 in cash and
a pound of marijuana.
It is reasonable to conclude that similar adverse impacts on the public health, safety and
welfare will likely occur in the City of Palm Springs if the City fails to take appropriate
action. This Office and the Police Chief are of the opinion that the introduction and
adoption of this ordinance is an urgent matter necessary for preserving public peace,
health and safety. Charter section 312 permits the City Council to adopt this ordinance
as an urgency measure for the reasons set forth in the attached ordinance and for it to
be immediately effective.
FISCAL IMPACT:
It is not a 'cipated that this Ordinance will have a fiscal impact on the City.
Douglas Holland, City Attorney
03
Ordinance No.
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOBILE
MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN THE CITY
MATERIALS TO FOLLOW
04
ORDINANCE NO.
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS,
CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 6.08.150 TO THE PALM SPRINGS
MUNICIPAL CODE, PROHIBITING THE OPERATION OF MOBILE
MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN THE CITY. (4/5T"s Vote Required)
City Attorney Summary
This Ordinance prohibits mobile marijuana dispensaries from operating in the
City. This is an urgency Ordinance that will go into effect upon adoption and
requires a 4/5ths vote for passage.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, FINDS:
A. In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act (21 U.S.C. Section
801 et seq.) which, among other things, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, distribute,
possess, or use marijuana for any purpose in the United States and further provides criminal
penalties for marijuana use.
B. The Compassionate Use Act ("CUA"), codified at California Health and Safety
("H&S") Code Section 11362.5, was approved by California voters in 1996 and legalized the
use of marijuana for specific medical purposes.
C. California courts have held that the CUA creates a limited exception for criminal
liability for seriously ill persons who are in need of medical marijuana for specified medicinal
purposes and who obtain and use medical marijuana under limited, specified circumstances.
D. In 2003 the State of California adopted SB 420, the Medical Marijuana Program
("MMP"), codified at California Health and Safety ("H&S") Code Section 11362.7, which
clarifies the scope of the Compassionate Use Act and allows local jurisdictions to adopt and
enforce rules consistent with SB 420.
E. The CUA expressly anticipates the enactment of additional local legislation. It
provides: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting
persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of
marijuana for nonmedical purposes." (H&S Code Section 11362.5.) The MMP similarly
anticipates local regulation, providing: "Nothing in this article shall prevent a city . . . from
adopting and enforcing . . . local ordinances that regulate the location, operation, or
establishment of a medical marijuana cooperative or collective . civil and criminal
enforcement of local ordinances; [and] . . . other laws consistent with this article (H&S Code
11362.83.).
F. The City of Palm Springs has exercised its rights under the law and has adopted
an ordinance (PSMC Section 93.23.15) that regulates the location, operation, and
establishment of medical cooperatives and collectives in the City.
G. The California Supreme Court in the case of City of Riverside v. Inland Empire
04
Patients Health and Wellness Center Inc., 56 Cal. 4th 729(2013)established that neither the
CUA or MMP preempt local regulation of marijuana dispensaries.
H. The exact number of delivery services operating in California and the Coachella
Valley is unclear, since the state does not keep a registry of mobile medical marijuana
distributors.
I. An increase in mobile dispensaries has been found to coincide with successful
enforcement actions involving storefront dispensaries. In other parts of the state, shuttered
businesses turned to delivery services instead. There is reason to expectthe same in the City
of Palm Springs, particularly in light of the City's regulatory program for medical cannabis
cooperatives and collectives.
J. An Inland Empire attorney who describes himself as one who represents
"California dispensary clients battling local government roadblocks" has been advising his
marijuana dispensary clients to change their business model as a result of the California
Supreme Court decision so that marijuana is distributed from a mobile source. This attorney
has represented dispensaries operating in the City of Palm Springs.
K. Mobile dispensaries have been associated with criminal activity. Delivery drivers,
for example, are targets of armed robbers who seek cash and drugs. As a result, many of the
drivers reportedly carry weapons or have armed guards a g s protection. Examples of such
criminal activity reported in the media include the following:
1. In March of 2013, a West Covina deliveryman was reportedly robbed after
making a delivery. The deliveryman told police that he was approached by two subjects
in ninja costumes who chased him with batons. He was scared and dropped a bag with
i
some marijuana and money, which was taken by the suspects.
2. In February of 2013, a Temecula deliveryman was reportedly robbed of cash
outside of a Denny's restaurant, which led to a vehicular chase that continued until the
robbers' vehicle eventually crashed on a freeway on ramp.
3. In January of 2013, marijuana deliverymen in Imperial Beach were reportedly
robbed after being stopped by assailants (one with a brandished semiautomatic
handgun) after making a stop.
4. In January 2013, a deliveryman was reportedly robbed of three ounces of
marijuana while making a delivery outside a Carl's Jr. restaurant in Riverside, and he
told police that the suspect may have had a gun.
5. In May of 2012, a 23-year-old deliverywoman in La Mesa was reportedly shot in
the face with a pellet gun. After running away, the assailants carjacked her vehicle.
6. In August of 2011, a medical marijuana deliveryman was reportedly robbed of
$20,000 worth of his marijuana (approximately 9 pounds) and a cellular phone in
Fullerton. The driver suffered a head cut during the crime.
05
7. In Ju
ne of 2011, a marijuana delivery from a Los Angeles mobile dispensary
turned deadly in Orange County when four individuals reportedly ambushed the mobile
dispensary driver and his armed security guard and tried to rob them. One of the
suspects approached the delivery vehicle and confronted the driver and a struggle
ensued. A second suspect armed with a handgun, approached the security guard, who
fired at the suspect hitting him multiple times.
8. In April of 2011, a customer reportedly made arrangements for a medical
marijuana deliveryman to meet him in a Safeway parking lot in Salinas. The
deliveryman had about $1,000 in cash and 1.5 pounds of marijuana. As the
deliveryman began weighing the order, he looked up and saw a silver handgun in his
face. The customer stole money and marijuana. The judge sentenced the customer to
five years in state prison.
9. In May of 2010, a college student who delivers medical marijuana door-to-door
was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in Richmond. The assailants took $1,000 in cash
and a pound of marijuana; and
L. The California Constitution grants charter cities the power to make and enforce
all ordinances and regulations with respect to municipal affairs. Article XI, Section 7 of the
California Constitution provides a city may make and enforce within its limits all police, sanitary
and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general laws.
M. The City of Palm Springs, as a charter city, by and through its City Council, has
and may exercise all powers necessary to ensure the general welfare of its inhabitants.
N. There exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and welfare
in the absence of the City adopting an ordinance prohibiting establishment, operation or use of
mobile marijuana dispensaries.
O. It is the purpose and intent of this Ordinance prohibiting all mobile marijuana
dispensaries to promote health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents and
businesses within the City, excepting only the three medical cannabis collectives or
cooperatives that have received permits in full compliance with the provisions of Section
93.23.15.
P. The failure to prohibit mobile marijuana dispensaries or mobile medical
marijuana dispensaries will expose the City to costs related to regulation, enforcement, and
the negative secondary effects of mobile dispensaries including an increase in violent crime.
Q. The City Council further determines that there is a high likelihood that mobile
marijuana dispensaries will immediately flourish in the City without the adoption of this
Ordinance. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is necessary as an emergency measure
for preserving the public peace, health, or safety pursuant to Palm Springs City Charter
Section 312
06
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 6.08.150 is added to the Palm Springs Municipal Code to read:
6.08.150 Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries.
A. Definitions.
The following words and phrases shall, for the purposes of this Section, have the
meanings respectively ascribed to them by this Subsection, as follows:
"Mobile Marijuana Dispensary" means any clinic, cooperative, club, business, or group
which transports or delivers, or arranges the transportation or delivery,of medical marijuana to
a Person.
"Person" means any person, firm, corporation, association, club, society, or other
organization. The term Person shall include any owner, manager, proprietor, employee,
volunteer, or salesperson.
"Operation" means any effort to locate, operate, own, lease, supply, allow to be
operated, or aid, abet, or assist in the operation of a Mobile Marijuana Dispensary.
B. Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries Prohibited.
Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries are prohibited in the City. No person shall locate,
operate, own, suffer, allow to be operated, or aide, abet or assist in the operation of any
Mobile Marijuana Dispensary within the City..
C. Marijuana Delivery Prohibited.
1. No Person shall deliver marijuana to any location within the City from a Mobile
Marijuana Dispensary, regardless of where the Mobile Marijuana Dispensary is located, or
engage in any Operation for this purpose.
2. No Person shall deliver any marijuana-infused product such as tinctures, baked
goods, or other consumable products, to any location within the City from a Mobile Marijuana
Dispensary, regardless of where the Mobile Marijuana Dispensary is located, or engage in any
Operation for this purpose.
D. Public Nuisance Declared.
Operation of any Mobile Marijuana Dispensary within the City in violation of the
provisions of this chapter is hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be abated pursuant to
all available remedies.
07
E. Exceptions.
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any medical cannabis cooperative or
collective that has a permit from the City pursuant to, and is operating in full compliance with,
Section 93.23.15 of this Code.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
THIS 3d DAY OF JULY, 2013.
ATTEST: STEPHEN P. POUGNET, MAYOR
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) ss.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby
certify that Urgency Ordinance No. is a full, true, and correct copy, and adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council held on the 3`d day of July, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, California
08
The Desert Sun Certificate of Publication
750 N Gene Autry Trail
Palm Springs, CA 92262 - -
760-778-4578/Fax 760-778-4731
1
State Of California ss:
County of Riverside
Advertiser:
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS/LEGALS
PO BOX 2743
PALM SPRINGS CA 922632
2000374675
1 am over the age of 18 years old, a citizen of the United
States and not a party to, or have interest in this matter. I No 1347 ORDINANCE NO.1824
hereby certify that the attached advertisement appeared AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
in said newspaper (set in type not smaller than non panel) ^ PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA,GRANTING AN
in each and entire issue of said newspaper and not in any \ EXCLUSIVE SbUD WASTE MANAGEMENT
SERVICES FRANCHISE TO PALM SPRINGS
supplement thereof on the following dales,to wit: \�' DISPOSAL SERVICES,A CALIFORNIA CORPO-
RATION. ryrY
Newspaper: .The Desert Sun The City Charl�er and tthee Cy'sraMunipPel Code
provides the C11Iyy Council with the aulhorly to de-
crJe the level ofeolid waste services M be pmvld-
ad to the City and whether such services are to be
7/17/2013 Provided by means of nonenclusive,partially m-
cluswe,or wholly exclusive franchise,contract,or
license granted pursuar to such terms and condi.
hors as preaaibed by the City Council. This Ordi-
mmce W�algntpspgaan azduswe franchise to Palm
transfer,end disposed of solid Provide and lrelaa
serwces, Including without limitation. source re-
duction,recycling,and comopsang activities. The,
franchise is for a term of 1S years,commencing
on Apol 1,2014.
1 acknowledge that I am a principal clerk of the printer of ORDINANCE No.1 Us
The Desert Sun, printed and published weekly In the City AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF
of Palm Springs, County of Riverside, State of California. PALM SPRINGS CALIFORNIA ADDING SEC-
S MUNIC-
The Desert Sun Was adjudicated a newspaper of general IPAL CODE OHIBnI GM THE OPERATION
circulation On March 24, 1988 by the Superior Court of the �j'A THE CCITYLE MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN
County of Riverside, State of California Case No. V City Attorney Summaryry
191236. \� This Ordinance prohibits. mobile manlusma
dispensaries from operating m the,City. This is an
urgency Ordinance that will go mro effeol upon
-(�, a eM requiresaaama vote for passage.
declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing IS true .IVON CERTIFICATION
and correct. Executed on this 171h day of July, 2013in STATE OF CALIFORNIA 3
Palm Springs,Celif la. CITY OF'PALM SPRINGS ONTY OF RIVERSIDE
1,ty�
the C'dv of IPalm
la mM9pdr ge Cairmnie do hemby
certify that Urgency Ordinance Nos. 1824 an
0
1828 are full,True and correct espies,and were
adootetl at a ular meeting of the City Ocuncll
held on the 3rdd ay of July,Z013,by the following
vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Foal, Hutcheson,
Declaran Signature Lewin,Mayor Pro Tem Mills,and Mayor Pougnst.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None. CLERK
ABSTAIN: None.
JAMS0MPSO CITY
1Palm 3pn Callfole
Published:7117113
ORDINANCE NO. 1828
AN URGENCY ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF PALM
SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, ADDING SECTION 6.08.150 TO
THE PALM SPRINGS MUNICIPAL CODE, PROHIBITING
THE OPERATION OF MOBILE MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
IN THE CITY.
City Attorney Summary
This Ordinance prohibits mobile marijuana dispensaries from operating in the
City. This is an urgency Ordinance that will go into effect upon adoption and
requires a 4/5ths vote for passage.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, FINDS:
A. In 1970, Congress enacted the Controlled Substances Act(21 U.S.C. Section
801 et seq.)which, among other things, makes it illegal to import, manufacture, distribute,
possess, or use marijuana for any purpose in the United States and further provides
criminal penalties for marijuana use.
B. The Compassionate Use Act("CUA"), codified at California Health and Safety
("H&S") Code Section 11362.5, was approved by California voters in 1996 and legalized
the use of marijuana for specific medical purposes.
C. California courts have held that the CUA creates a limited exception for
criminal liability for seriously ill persons who are in need of medical marijuana for specified
medicinal purposes and who obtain and use medical marijuana under limited, specified
circumstances.
D. In 2003 the State of California adopted SB 420, the Medical Marijuana
Program ("MMP"), codified at California Health and Safety("H&S")Code Section 11362.7,
which clarifies the scope of the Compassionate Use Act and allows local jurisdictions to
adopt and enforce rules consistent with SB 420.
E. The CUA expressly anticipates the enactment of additional local legislation. It
provides: "Nothing in this section shall be construed to supersede legislation prohibiting
persons from engaging in conduct that endangers others, nor to condone the diversion of
marijuana for nonmedical purposes." (H&S Code Section 11362.5.) The MMP similarly
anticipates local regulation, providing: "Nothing in this article shall prevent a city . . . from
adopting and enforcing . . . local ordinances that regulate the location, operation, or
establishment of a medical marijuana cooperative or collective . . . civil and criminal
enforcement of local ordinances; [and] . . . other laws consistent with this article (H&S
Code 11362.83.).
F. The City of Palm Springs has exercised its rights under the law and has
adopted an ordinance (PSMC Section 93.23.15)that regulates the location, operation, and
Ordinance No. 1828
Page 2
establishment of medical cooperatives and collectives in the City.
G. The California Supreme Court in the case of City of Riverside v. Inland
Empire Patients Health and Wellness Center, Inc., 56 Cal. 4th 729(2013)established that
neither the CILIA or MMP preempt local regulation of marijuana dispensaries.
H. The exact number of delivery services operating in California and the
Coachella Valley is unclear, since the state does not keep a registry of mobile medical
marijuana distributors.
1. An increase in mobile dispensaries has been found to coincide with
successful enforcement actions involving storefront dispensaries. In other parts of the
state, shuttered businesses turned to delivery services instead. There is reason to expect
the same in the City of Palm Springs, particularly in light of the City's regulatory program for
medical cannabis cooperatives and collectives.
J. An Inland Empire attorney who describes himself as one who represents
"California dispensary clients battling local government roadblocks" has been advising his
marijuana dispensary clients to change their business model as a result of the California
Supreme Court decision so that marijuana is distributed from a mobile source. This
attorney has represented dispensaries operating in the City of Palm Springs.
K. Mobile dispensaries have been associated with criminal activity. Delivery
drivers, for example, are targets of armed robbers who seek cash and drugs. As a result,
many of the drivers reportedly carry weapons or have armed guards as protection.
Examples of such criminal activity reported in the media include the following:
1. In March of 2013, a West Covina deliveryman was reportedly robbed after
making a delivery. The deliveryman told police that he was approached by two
subjects in ninja costumes who chased him with batons. He was scared and
dropped a bag with some marijuana and money, which was taken by the suspects.
2. In February of 2013, a Temecula deliveryman was reportedly robbed of cash
outside of a Denny's restaurant, which led to a vehicular chase that continued until
the robbers' vehicle eventually crashed on a freeway on ramp.
3. In January of 2013, marijuana deliverymen in Imperial Beach were reportedly
robbed after being stopped by assailants (one with a brandished semiautomatic
handgun) after making a stop.
4. In January 2013, a deliveryman was reportedly robbed of three ounces of
marijuana while making a delivery outside a Carl's Jr. restaurant in Riverside, and
he told police that the suspect may have had a gun.
Ordinance No. 1828
Page 3
5. In May of 2012, a 23-year-old deliverywoman in La Mesa was reportedly shot
in the face with a pellet gun. After running away, the assailants carjacked her
vehicle.
6. In August of 2011, a medical marijuana deliveryman was reportedly robbed
of$20,000 worth of his marijuana (approximately 9 pounds)and a cellular phone in
Fullerton. The driver suffered a head cut during the crime.
7. In June of 2011, a marijuana delivery from a Los Angeles mobile dispensary
turned deadly in Orange County when four individuals reportedly ambushed the
mobile dispensary driver and his armed security guard and tried to rob them. One of
the suspects approached the delivery vehicle and confronted the driver and a
struggle ensued. A second suspect armed with a handgun, approached the security
guard, who fired at the suspect hitting him multiple times.
8. In April of 2011, a customer reportedly made arrangements for a medical
marijuana deliveryman to meet him in a Safeway parking lot in Salinas. The
deliveryman had about $1,000 in cash and 1.5 pounds of marijuana. As the
deliveryman began weighing the order, he looked up and saw a silver handgun in
his face. The customer stole money and marijuana. The judge sentenced the
customer to five years in state prison.
9. In May of 2010, a college student who delivers medical marijuana door-to-
door was reportedly robbed at gunpoint in Richmond. The assailants took$1,000 in
cash and a pound of marijuana; and
L. The California Constitution grants charter cities the power to make and
enforce all ordinances and regulations with respect to municipal affairs. Article XI,
Section 7 of the California Constitution provides a city may make and enforce within its
limits all police, sanitary and other ordinances and regulations not in conflict with general
laws.
M. The City of Palm Springs, as a charter city, by and through its City Council,
has and may exercise all powers necessary to ensure the general welfare of its inhabitants.
N. There exists a current and immediate threat to public health, safety and
welfare in the absence of the City adopting an ordinance prohibiting establishment,
operation or use of mobile marijuana dispensaries.
O. It is the purpose and intent of this Ordinance prohibiting all mobile marijuana
dispensaries to promote health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the residents and
businesses within the City, excepting only the three medical cannabis collectives or
Ordinance No. 1828
Page 4
cooperatives that have received permits in full compliance with the provisions of Section
93.23.15.
P. The failure to prohibit mobile marijuana dispensaries or mobile medical
marijuana dispensaries will expose the City to costs related to regulation, enforcement, and
the negative secondary effects of mobile dispensaries including an increase in violent
crime.
Q. The City Council further determines that there is a high likelihood that mobile
marijuana dispensaries will immediately flourish in the City without the adoption of this
Ordinance. The City Council finds that this Ordinance is necessary as an emergency
measure for preserving the public peace, health, or safety pursuant to Palm Springs City
Charter Section 312
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PALM SPRINGS, CALIFORNIA, DOES
HEREBY ORDAINS:
SECTION 1. Section 6.08.150 is added to the Palm Springs Municipal Code to
read:
6.08.150 Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries.
A. Definitions.
The following words and phrases shall, for the purposes of this Section, have the
meanings respectively ascribed to them by this Subsection, as follows:
"Mobile Marijuana Dispensary" means any clinic, cooperative, club, business, or
group which transports or delivers, or arranges the transportation or delivery, of medical
marijuana to a Person.
"Person" means any person, firm, corporation, association, club, society, or other
organization. The term Person shall include any owner, manager, proprietor, employee,
volunteer, or salesperson.
"Operation" means any effort to locate, operate, own, lease, supply, allow to be
operated, or aid, abet, or assist in the operation of a Mobile Marijuana Dispensary.
B. Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries Prohibited.
Mobile Marijuana Dispensaries are prohibited in the City. No person shall locate,
operate, own, suffer, allow to be operated, or aide, abet or assist in the operation of any
Mobile Marijuana Dispensary within the City.
Ordinance No. 1828
Page 5
C. Marijuana Delivery Prohibited.
1 . No Person shall deliver marijuana to any location within the City from a
Mobile Marijuana Dispensary, regardless of where the Mobile Marijuana Dispensary is
located, or engage in any Operation for this purpose.
2. No Person shall deliver any marijuana-infused product such as tinctures,
baked goods, or other consumable products, to any location within the City from a Mobile
Marijuana Dispensary, regardless of where the Mobile Marijuana Dispensary is located, or
engage in any Operation for this purpose.
D. Public Nuisance Declared.
Operation of any Mobile Marijuana Dispensary within the City in violation of the
provisions of this chapter is hereby declared a public nuisance and shall be abated
pursuant to all available remedies.
E. Exceptions.
The provisions of this Section shall not apply to any medical cannabis cooperative or
collective that has a permit from the City pursuant to, and is operating in full compliance
with, Section 93.23.15 of this Code.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED BY THE PALM SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL
THIS 3' DAY OF JULY, 2013.
STEPHEN P. POUGNET, MAYOR
ATTEST:
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
Ordinance No. 1828
Page 6
CERTIFICATION
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF RIVERSIDE ) SS.
CITY OF PALM SPRINGS )
I, JAMES THOMPSON, City Clerk of the City of Palm Springs, California, do hereby
certify that Urgency Ordinance No. 1828 is a full, true, and correct copy, and adopted at a
regular meeting of the City Council held on the 3rd day of July, 2013, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Foat, Councilmember Hutcheson, Councilmember Lewin,
Mayor Pro Tern Mills, and Mayor Pougnet.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: None.
ABSTAIN: None.
JAMES THOMPSON, CITY CLERK
City of Palm Springs, California