DHS extends medical marijuana moratorium

Medical marijuana will have to wait at least another year in Desert Hot Springs.

The City Council voted 5-0 late Tuesday night to extend a 45 day moratorium for another year.

When the council initially voted to begin the moratorium, also in a unanimous vote, the council meeting was filled with self-proclaimed medical marijuana users who loudly urged the council to oppose the moratorium.

There were no speakers, for or against the subject, at the most recent meeting.

Although the moratorium prevents the dispensing of medical marijuana for one year, City Attorney Ruben Duran said he expects to have a city ordinance on the topic drafted in a few months.