Medical Marijuana in Gilroy — Election Candidates Debate

People looking for medical marijuana will come up empty if they are searching in Gilroy. Dispensaries are not allowed to open in the city limits.

If it's up to some candidates for mayor and city council, that will not change. But others feel differently. Last week we asked the candidates for their positions on medical marijuana. See the responses of those who answered below.

Question: What is your position on medical marijuana dispensaries? Should they be allowed in Gilroy?

Mayor Candidates:

Peter Arellano: As a medical doctor I have cared for patients with cancer. Many of these patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation suffered with severe nausea, vomiting and pain. Marijuana has been used to help control these symptoms. There are many patients who suffer from multiple diseases who can not tolerate oral medication or food without the aide of marijuana. I think it is cruel to ask a sick or disabled person to travel outside the city limits to obtain medication. Also it has been shown that people feel safer buying medical marijuana from a dispensary. Medical marijuana dispensaries should be allowed to operate in Gilroy.

Dion Bracco: I was against Med Leaf from day one. I do think that truly sick people should be able to use marijuana to help with their pain and suffering, but a young person with a sore back or a headache is not what the voters had in mind when they voted for it and until this is addressed I can’t support it.

Don Gage: I do not want them in Gilroy; and no, they should not be allowed in Gilroy.


City Council Candidates:

Terri Aulman: I think medical marijuana, if needed for a particular condition, should be prescribed by a doctor and dispensed through a pharmacy. I would not support a medical marijuana dispensary in Gilroy.

Cat Tucker: No.

Paul Kloecker: I support the present policy of the City of Gilroy that medical marijuana dispensaries as previously proposed are not allowed in Gilroy. The basis of this policy is that these dispensaries are prohibited by federal law and the City Charter requires compliance with Federal Law for all City of Gilroy ordinances.

Notwithstanding the above, I am supportive of the use of marijuana for patients who need this relief for illnesses. However, I believe this type of medication should be approved by the FDA and available in licensed medical pharmacies for patients who receive a prescription authorized by their licensed personal physician.

Rebeca Armendariz: I believe that yes, there is a place for medical marijuana dispensaries in Gilroy. However, they should be regulated and taxed like everything else, to avoid abuse and inappropriate use.

Where do you stand? Are you for or against medical marijuana? Do these answers sway your vote? Tell us in the comments and see where the mayor candidates stand on gang control here.