Merced planners to get look at marijuana ordinance

The ordinance to allow medical marijuana and cultivation in the city of Merced is set to go before city planners this week.

The city’s Planning Commission will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday at City Hall, 678 W. 18th St. The commission is scheduled to take public comment during the meeting.

The ordinance would allow commercial medical cannabis dispensaries to set up in professional and commercial office zones or any developments designated for office space, which are typically where doctors’ offices and pharmacies are housed.

The ordinance would allow medical marijuana deliveries in town, and allow medical cannabis cardholders or their caregivers to grow up to 12 immature or six mature plants per lot.

After several meetings and study sessions, the Merced City Council made a recommendation for a new ordinance in April. The ordinance would allow up to four dispensaries, which would also be subject to restrictions that would place them far from schools, playgrounds and other areas that tend to have children.

The council initially banned all sales and cultivation this year, but members have said the city should allow for dispensaries. The commission will vote on a recommendation on the ordinance, but the City Council will have the final decision.

This story was originally published May 16, 2016 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Merced planners to get look at marijuana ordinance."