OAKLEY — There is officially no place in east Contra Costa County for medical marijuana to be sold legally.

Tuesday night, Oakley joined Pittsburg, Antioch and Brentwood in permanently prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries after more than a year long moratorium on the businesses.

The city council voted unanimously without deliberation or opposition from the public.

City attorney Alison Barratt-Green said banning the establishments would avoid negative impacts on the city such as an increase in crime, and use of marijuana by minors and those without medical need.

Although most medical marijuana businesses have private security, Barratt-Green said there still would be a risk to the residents of Oakley.

"(Private security) is a step in the right direction," Barratt-Green said, "but it still doesn't address all of the negative effects of the businesses."

Oakley also welcomed Jim Frazier to the city council, and acknowledged Brad Nix for his 10 years with the council.

Jonathan Lockett covers East County. Reach him at 925-779-7174 or jlockett@bayareanewsgroup.com.


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