Martinez Council Kills Cannabis Ordinance

Councilman Mike Menesini removed his support Wednesday for a revised cannabis dispensary ordinance that would have allowed up to three dispensaries in Martinez.

Council chambers were standing-room only, many of the opponents to the dispensary ordinance dressed in red to show solidarity for their position. Most had come expecting to protest what had been a majority of support on the council for the revised dispensary ordinance, which would have required operators to get a license that would have to be renewed annually.

Instead, before any public comment was taken, Menesini said that he has had "extensive discussions" with people in the community, and that there had been a "misconception" of his position on the issue.

"I don't favor getting high, and I don't favor head shops," he said. "I think people suffering from a malady should have access to a clean, safe facility. Frankly, there are a lot of things about this ordinance, and the concerns it has raised in our community, that has given me pause. We need a much broader discussion about this in our community. At this point, I don't think it's appropriate to move forward with this item, and I will withdraw my support. I truly believe we're here to lead, not to dictate." 

The statement drew loud applause from many of the audience, about a dozen of whom got up to support removing the item from council consideration. Four speakers supported the ordinance.

Menesini joined council members Mark Ross and Janet Kennedy in opposing the revised ordinance, which effectively killed the item. There was no discussion of putting it on the ballot for a vote in November 2012, as Menesini previously suggested.

At the end of the meeting, Councilwoman Lara DeLaney, who, with Menesini, spent many months crafting the new dispensary ordinance, said she was caught off guard by his sudden withdrawal of support.

"I've spent over a year under the leadership of Mr. Menesini, compelled by his leadership on this issue, thinking we were improving the infrastructure of the ordinance, moving toward a license that was removable and revokable. I was compelled by the force of his argument, and I was supportive of those efforts."

She noted that Martinez voters supported Proposition 215 in 1996, which legalized medicinal marijuana in California.

"There was no substantial opposition to this during the entire process, until tonight," she said.