The City Council of Claremont conducted a discussion on imposing prohibition on medical marijuana clinics and dispensaries. As several entrepreneurs had verged on opening medical marijuana clinics and dispensaries, the city needed a prohibition to provide time to establish apt rules and regulations. The council decided to pass its prohibition but Mr. Kruse, owner of a medical marijuana clinic says he has no plans of shutting down and that his medical marijuana clinic is now open in Claremont.

The City staff is planning its approach on the establishment of Mr. Kruse and deferred most questions to City Attorney Sonia Carvahlo (posted at http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4898, July 27, 2007). According to Carvaho, the medical marijuana clinic is operating without license and so the city can request the court to force him to close his medical marijuana clinic. Carvahlo said they have not issued a business license to Mr. Kruse, which means that he currently operates as one of the cooperatives or storefronts without a business license. Thus, it is a violation of the municipal code.

Mr. Kruse will be issued a notice by the city directing him to stop the operation of his medical marijuana clinic since it is a violation of the code. In the event that Mr. Kruse refuses to do as directed, the city will proceed to court to acquire an injunction.

After receiving the notice from the city, Mr. Kruse invited the courier to enter his medical marijuana clinic known as Claremont All-Natural Nutrition Aids Buyers Information Service (CANNABIS). Mr. Kruse asked the courier to take photos of his medical marijuana clinic and even asked to be interviewed.

As the courier approached the front door of the medical marijuana clinic, a sign, which was substantial for operating business, was visibly absent. After knocking, Mr. Kruse opened the door while removing a red lollipop from his mouth. He greeted his visitors showing a wide grin.

The medical marijuana clinic of Mr. Kruse has only one painting hanging from the wall and two wide ceiling-high bookshelves that were completely empty. The painting was an old west saloon brawl. One pea-green loveseat was located in the suite as well as 2 small desks and 3 chairs. There was a brand-new copy machine position beside a desktop computer. This copy machine was being used as a TV stand. One side of the suite contains his marijuana products while another side contains 13 small plants labeled as “Sour Diesel” and “Cherry Bomb.” These plants were growing under a fluorescent light.

Mr. Kruse explained that his red lollipop was referred to as a couch pop with cannabis in it, making its effects similar to marijuana.

Mr. Kruse’s couch pops are just one of several products he offers to 2 patients for whom he serves as a caregiver in his medical marijuana clinic. He also has a medical marijuana clinic in Canyon County where he attends to 5 patients.

Mr. Kruse has considered himself an advocate of drug legalization and is part of a larger medical marijuana movement.