Marijuana Collective Could Be Forced To Shut Down

You’ll find Desert Heart Collective tucked away in a medical building off Bob Hope Drive near the River in Rancho Mirage.

It opened last month.

The city of Rancho Mirage denied the medical marijuana dispensary a use and occupancy permit, and the dispensary was also cited it for code infractions.

“They either have to make a law or make one to get us out,” said Cody Burke who works at the collective.

The dispensary says it is trying to do everything by the law to get their permits.

“We’re going about the right channels to get a use and occupancy [permit]. We are trying to get the business license. It’s kind of a catch 22,” said Burke.

After finding out about the medical marijuana collective, the Rancho Mirage city council could vote Thursday on a 45-day moratorium on all medical marijuana clinics.

In essence, shutting the place down and not allowing any others to start up for a month and a half.

Rancho Mirage City Attorney Steve Quintanilla released a statement that reads in part:

“The purpose of the moratorium is to provide the city with sufficient time to consider whether to prohibit them or regulate them based on the current state law.”

He also writes:

“At this point, I can’t say where the city is headed with this matter, but there will be open discussion about the matter.”

“I’ve got a problem with my joints,? complained Brent Ballantyne. ?It’s done nothing but help and it’s nice to have it close by.?

Patients like Ballantyine hope Rancho Mirage allows Desert Heart collective to stay open for business.

“I don’t think that they should have any problems for permits for a legal business.”

The Rancho Mirage City Council meeting is Thursday at 1 p.m.

The 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana dispensaries is listed on the agenda.