Elected officials endorse medical-marijuana measure for the November election

[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Screen-Shot-2016-10-13-at-4.03.59-PM.png” credit=”Denny Cristales | Signal Tribune” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Congressmember Alan Lowenthal and Long Beach councilmembers encouraged voters on Thursday outside of city hall to vote “yes” on Measure MM, which would would tax, regulate and allow medical-marijuana businesses to operate in the city. ” captionposition=”left”] [aesop_character name=”Denny Cristales” caption=”Editorial Assistant” align=”right” force_circle=”off”] U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal, who represents the 47th congressional district, and Long Beach councilmembers convened outside city hall on Thursday to launch their campaign for and endorse Measure MM, which would tax, regulate and allow medical-marijuana businesses to operate in the city.
Vice Mayor Rex Richardson was present alongside councilmembers Jeannine Pearce, Dee Andrews and Roberto Uranga. Gilbert Davila, with the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), hosted the conference.
The measure would create regulations for the sale of medical marijuana in an effort to protect patients and ensure safe use of the drug. Lowenthal said the measure is crafted to make neighborhoods safe and alleviate police efforts on illegal marijuana sales and that medical-marijuana businesses are the ones who pay for increases in safety and places of business.
“It’s important to realize where Measure MM fits in,” Lowenthal said. “Prop 64 on the ballot would authorize recreational adult use of medical marijuana, but only Measure MM— only Measure MM— ensures that the medical-marijuana business here in Long Beach will pay their fair share to keep our community safe.”