Judge rules to keep medical marijuana dispensary open

A second favorable ruling by Judge Earl Maas of Vista Superior Court on Aug. 12 allows the North County Collective medical marijuana dispensary to remain open until the Sept. 9 hearing that will determine if the collective can continue to do business. Maas first OK’d the dispensary to remain open during the wait for its hearing on July 27. “We’ve won another battle but the war remains,” attorney Lance Rogers said.

North County Collective director John Scandalios considers the ruling as a clear victory. “The judge ruled I can stay open until Sept. 9,” Scandalios said. “The city can’t shut me down today.” In court, declarations of support from over 200 North County Collective medical marijuana patients were presented. Neighboring businesses on Coast Highway 101 said the collective is a good neighbor and has ”cleaned up” the surrounding community.

“They are operating in full compliance with the medical marijuana law,” Rogers said. Despite the ruling, the city of Oceanside may still go forward with charging the collective fines of $2,500 a day for operating a business without a license. “The stay is irrelevant, the city will enforce this law,” said Annie Perrigo, Oceanside assistant city attorney. “It’s a misdemeanor to operate a business without a license.”

Judge rules to keep medical marijuana dispensary open, 10.0 out of 10 based on 1 rating