Nov 23, 2009 11:36 pm US/Pacific
Rancher Wants To Grow Marijuana In Amador County
SUTTER CREEK, Calif. (CBS13) ―
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Robert Allen hopes to grow medical marijuana on his ranch in Amador County.
AP
One of the biggest landowners in Amador County is trying to grow what he calls a "miracle drug" on his ranch, but is facing resistance from the city and county.
Robert Allen and his ranch are well known in Amador County -- and even has a road named after him -- but he says his ranch has potential ranging far beyond his animals.
Inspired by his mother's remarkable improvement after being prescribed marijuana while sick, Allen hopes to grow medical marijuana on his property.
After Janet Allen suffered a stroke, she stopped eating and drinking. Doctors gave her four days to live, but one doctor suggested marijuana.
"The next thing you know, she was celebrating her 60th anniversary [and] lived another two and a half years," Robert said. "A miracle. Just a miracle."
Allen wants to plant marijuana himself and allow others to do so -- with a doctor's note, of course -- but he will have to get Amador County to lift their ban. The county is holding off on making a decision until they get opinions from the sheriff and the district attorney.
The city of Sutter Creek allows the sale of medicinal marijuana, but Allen said he can't get anyone to rent a space to him. He said landlords are afraid of what will happen.
"The county's not in line with the city and state. I think it's causing grief for the landlords," he said. "Everybody's mixed up."
Some fear a marijuana dispensary on the old-fashioned streets may bring unwelcome elements along with it, and employees at nearby businesses called the town a bit conservative.
"I think the community might be in a little shock and awe at first," said Rose, a worker at an ice cream parlor.
Allen said officials don't seem to be in any hurry to make a decision. The county could take months before they look at the issue.
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