moratorium

July 15 (Bloomberg) -- A Dutch city’s ban on sales of marijuana and hashish to foreign customers in so-called coffee shops is a lawful and necessary measure to cut crime from drug- tourism, an adviser to the European Union’s highest court said.

The city of Maastricht’s ban on shops selling cannabis- derived products to non-residents is necessary to maintain public order, Yves Bot, an advocate general at the European Court of Justice, said in a non-binding opinion today.

Fresno County Supervisors will consider Tuesday putting a stop to medical marijuana dispensaries.

"Local law enforcement investigations have revealed that marijuana grown illegally on public lands has been sold in medical marijuana dispensaries. This point will be a serious factor in considering the recommended moratorium," said County Supervisor Perea.

If passed, the moratorium would be the first step in the process to prohibit marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated Fresno County.

Portland may join the commmunities putting the breaks on medical marijuana dispensaries, which were envisioned by supporters of a successful citizen initiative last year.

Igor Rakuz of the Maine Wellness Group wants to open a marijuana dispensary in the Portland area and says he's disappointed that the Portland City Council is only now considering putting a hold on dispensaries.