A group of Bakersfield residents is campaigning for a ballot measure that would regulate and tax marijuana dispensaries.

Jeff Jarvis from Kern Citizens for Patient Rights says the Medical Cannabis Initiative would restrict collectives to commercial and rural zones while treating them like pharmacies, and the rules would keep everyone safe. The initiative would also allow the city attorney as well as other pot shops to sue dispensaries for non-compliance.

Supporters hope to qualify it for the November election. If it’s passed by voters it would only apply to Bakersfield.

Kelli Forsch