California lawmakers considering new rules for medical marijuana
A pair of bills that would enhance the legal standing of medical
marijuana providers have advanced in the Legislature following
this month's landmark court ruling that affirmed the rights of
local governments to ban dispensaries.  The bills are two
components of the ongoing and often passionate arguments between
Californians who support brick-and-mortar marijuana dispensaries
and those who oppose such storefront operations as "pot shops"
that often provide marijuana to people lacking serious medical
problems.  On one side, two of the Legislature's leading
Democrats are backing the bills in the face of opposition from
Republicans and law enforcement leaders. The California Police
Chief's Association has pledged to oppose the bills, which would
create new regulations and protections for medical marijuana
providers within state law. The federal government's ban on
marijuana would remain in force.  The more ambitious of the two
bills, from San Fran