A 45-day moratorium on medical marijuana shops could be extended to one year Friday at a special meeting of the Grass Valley City Council.

The council voted April 28 for the six-week ban after Police Chief John Foster reported that marijuana dispensaries in other California communities have reported crime increases in the areas around them.



Council members did not indicate they wanted a full-fledged ban at that time, preferring to see how the city could legally posture itself should someone approach the city to open a dispensary.

While the emergency ordinance to extend the moratorium only deals with the coming 10 1/2 months starting Friday, there is language in it that could be used in the future for a permanent ban.



The council will discuss the matter at 5 p.m. at City Hall, 125 East Main Street.

To see the full story, see Thursday's edition of The Union.