Elk Grove Planning Commission to Consider Restrictive Medical Marijuana Growing Regulations

The Elk Grove Planning Commission will consider regulations tonight that will severely restrict how medical marijuana can be grown in city limits.

Although medical marijuana use was approved by California voters in 1996, it hasn't been until recent years that dispensaries and legal growing operations have proliferated in the state. In response, a patchwork of regulations has evolved in California municipalities.

For Elk Grove, the issue was brought to light last summer when several residents on the city's rural east side complained to the city council about a medical marijuana growing operation. In response, the city council instructed city staff to develop a restrictive growing ordinance.

The proposed ordinance that has evolved and to be considered tonight would among other things confine growing to indoor facilities and require the issuance of a permit from the chief of police.

Once the planning commission hears that matter, the ordinance will then be heard by the city council which is expected to approve it. Tonight's meeting will be held at city hall and starts at 6:30 p.m.