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With Patterson’s second temporary ban on medical marijuana dispensaries about to expire, city staff has suggested a new law that would effectively prevent dispensaries from opening in town.

Patterson City Council will review the proposed ordinance Tuesday. If the rules are passed, dispensaries will be required to follow federal law, which they do not.

The sale and use of marijuana is prohibited by federal law, but it is allowed under state law if a patient obtains a prescription from a doctor.

Since California lifted the ban on medical marijuana, dispensaries have been popping up throughout the state to serve patients. To keep them out of Patterson, the council has passed several temporary moratoriums. However, the moratorium is set to expire and state law prohibits the council from enacting another.

In response, Chief of Police Tyrone Spencer has suggested that a new ordinance should require that any dispensaries be in compliance with federal law.

In a report to the council, Spencer said the chance that the federal government would allow medical marijuana is unlikely.

In other council matters

• The council will consider spending $71,000 on a commercial profile of the city. The Buxton Co. proposed the profile and would create it. It would be designed to attract retail outlets to the city.
• The council will consider increasing parking violation fines.