San Diego Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

Comptroller David Campos idea of creating a task force for medical marijuana evokes the image of a paramilitary unit executing jar - OK everyone, put the brownies and not the bongs.

In fact, Campos insists he could not be more harmless.

"I see the hearings and provide feedback. This is an opportunity to provide expertise and advice, no final policy, "he said.

Regardless of how he says Campos, this will still seem a Kookie San Francisco. Campos plan is to assemble a 13-person committee of medical marijuana patients, dispensary operators, heads of district and even (GASP) producers to discuss new directions in politics of medical marijuana. He sees the group is investigating tax revenues clinics (already in place in Oakland), standards of cannabis consumption, controversial issues like the city really sanctioned by the culture of the pot.

But let's be honest, the chances that the group will announce that marijuana should be strictly regulated, are very slim.

Frankly, this is not a bad idea.

Campos said that when the Department of Justice issued a policy memorandum in October indicating that pot-smoking patients and their authorized suppliers should not be considered for federal prosecution - he signs a new world for the purpose of marijuana Medical.

"I think it's the future," he said. "Some people are probably not happy about it, but the federal government is signaling it is looking the other."

San Francisco is not the only city to explore this idea. This week, the strength of the medical marijuana task of San Diego - never considered a Liberal stronghold - has made recommendations for an improved permitting process and zoning regulations in the municipal council.

"Certainly, there are many political differences between San Diego and San Francisco," said Alex Kreiter, a former San Francisco prosecutor who now teaches at a school in San Diego and the law is the chairman of the local working group. "But what I think is interesting is that about 9 percent of the population here favor a complete ban on pot clubs."

"Perhaps," said Campos, when he heard of the Working Group of San Diego, "we are not as radical as we think we are."

I would not go that far.

Kreiter said much of what San Diego is the study is based on what San Francisco has already done. There is discussion on conducting clinics away from schools, limiting the concentration in the neighborhoods, and establishing a strict authorization procedure.

What questions do innovative leaving for San Francisco? Campos wonders if it is time to look increasingly controlled by the City. We allow people to buy marijuana, but where does it come from? The fairy pot?

Clearly, much of it from illegal producers, including houses of culture in shady areas. It is a requirement for criminal activities.

"It is controversial, but if you could state to establish a clear and consistent rules for the culture, which would make the most sense." Mirken said Bruce, director of San Francisco communications for the national project Marijuana Policy in Washington, DC

And if the state will not do, Campos said, "Maybe we should go in that direction."

It seems controversial. But consider the alternative - letting dispensaries of medical marijuana expand without a license, restrictions or planning. Now in Los Angeles trying to get a handle on what city officials estimate is between 800 and 1,000 dispensaries without restriction.

"If you want to write a manual on how to botch medical marijuana," said Mirken, "the first thing to do is to let the Los Angeles City Council."

Sounds like Los Angeles Council members could use a force of medical marijuana task. San Francisco could offer some advice. In exchange, they could help us to form a working group on how to.