How Much is Enough? San Jose Votes on Pot Club Regulations

On June 7, San Jose voters will decide on a ballot measure that would allow medical marijuana collectives in parts of the city where they’re currently banned. But organized support for Measure C is in disarray.

A coalition called Sensible San Jose launched the initiative nearly two years ago after the city council passed a sweeping ordinance to rein in more than 100 pot clubs that had been allowed to proliferate in the city.

But recently, the author of Measure C dropped a bomb on the campaign by urging San Jose residents to vote no. Oakland lawyer James Anthony says the threat of his measure has already forced the city to back off on the most unworkable restrictions in the ordinance -- especially a requirement that clubs grow and process all their own product on site.

"And so Measure C, having accomplished its goal, is no longer necessary or really even a good idea," Anthony says.

But that’s irked some Measure C supporters who say Anthony’s own ballot argument in favor of the initiative still holds -- that the 16 dispensaries now registered under the city ordinance are not enough to meet patient needs.

"Measure C allows for the clubs to operate in zones closer to where people need them," San Jose resident David Berti says. "Right now everyone’s forced to basically drive to one or two areas."

Berti, who is behind a one-page Yes on Measure C website, contends the city’s restrictions have resulted in higher prices, longer lines and fewer choices for patients. That claim is disputed by opponents of Measure C.

"The regulations which have taken several years to fashion are finally working well," San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo says. "We’ve got 16 marijuana dispensaries in this city that are providing access to care for those patients who need marijuana as medicine."

Liccardo says Measure C would undo current regulations that restrict dispensaries near parks, preschools and residential areas.

Check out more about measure C in our voter's guide.