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US (CA): Bob Echter speaks up for marijuana cultivation

An Encinitas council subcommittee has punted the issue of whether the city should allow farmers to grow cannabis to the full council after stalemating on a recommendation.

Councilman Joe Mosca and Deputy Mayor Tony Kranz, who comprise the two-member subcommittee, could not reach a consensus on whether to recommend the council pass an ordinance that would allow for limited cultivation within the city limits on agriculturally zoned property.

More than 40 people spoke at the Sept. 28 meeting before Kranz and Mosca announced their positions, as activists and residents on both sides of the divide pleaded with the council to support their positions.

Bob Echter, who owns Dramm and Echter, the city’s largest flower grower, spearheaded the discussion for the pro-cannabis crowd. Echter said that in addition to keeping his business stable, marijuana cultivation would provide the city tax revenue and his company would be providing maximum security, odor control and banking that would limit the amount of cash on site, one of Mosca’s major concerns.

Opponents expressed concern about violence associated with the drug trade coming to Encinitas with cultivation, which they said is being pushed solely by Echter.

“This has been the Bob Echter show for marijuana,” said Jason Yarbrough, who spoke in rebuttal to Sanders.

Proponents argued that cultivation would not lead to increased drug use by youth, using the parallel of a city approving a prescription drug manufacturer in the city limits.

Read more at The Coast News Group (Aaron Burgin)
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