Oceano woman rallies support for Cannabis Club

Posted: Nov 2, 2011 10:30 PM by Liza Sullivan
Updated: Nov 3, 2011 8:19 AM

Supporters of a medical marijuana collective in Oceano are ready for battle. They'll meet with the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission Thursday morning.

Tammy Murray wants to open the Compassionate Cannabis Information Center at her Oceano home on S. Fourth Street.

Although she operates a similar business outside of Fresno, she has little support from San Luis Obispo County law enforcement.

Some neighbors also voiced concern.

"I don't think it's a good idea," said Rafael Caro, who brings his daughter to the Oceano Park to play. He would be uneasy about a cannabis club opening about a thousand feet away-- as the crow flies-- over Highway 1.

"Little kids play here, it could pose a danger," he said.

Tammy Murray claims there's nothing to worry about, and her proposal for a collective is needed for people who use marijuana as medicine with a doctor's recommendation.

"It's a safe place for them to come to talk about ailments and how cannabis can help them," said Murray.

Debi Rock, supports Safe Access to medical marijuana.

"For me it comes down to marijuana or morphine," she said.

The 56-year-old has always had pain in her legs, but Chemotherapy treatments during a bout with Cancer left her with little strength.

"Herbal medicine has helped tremendously," Rock said.

Before Compassionate Cannabis can open, Murray admits she'll have an uphill battle with the County's strict land-use rules, and the Sheriff's Department recommendation to reject her proposal.

"When you put Marijuana and money together you're going to have an issue," said Rob Bryn, of the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department.

He said studies have shown an increase in crime, such as burglaries and robberies, at collectives, and said the department is short-staffed in Oceano, and the South County.

The Planning Commission meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday at the County Government Center in Downtown, San Luis Obispo.