Murrieta Marijuana Dispensary Shut Down by Judge

A medical marijuana dispensary that was open less than two weeks in Murrieta was shut down indefinitely Thursday by a Riverside judge.

Judge Craig Reimer ruled in favor of the City of Murrieta, granting a preliminary injunction against Cooperative Medical Group, or CMG Outreach.

The dispensary, located at 26690 Madison Ave., Suite 103, is too close to Sky High Party Zone, an indoor play area with inflatable jumpers, the judge ruled. Sky High's owner told the court that 500 children a week frequent the play center.

The ruling stated that crime increases near medical marijuana dispensaries, and that CMG therefore posed a threat to the public safety and welfare of the children.

On July 16, the dispensary was burglarized.

The injunction follows a restraining order obtained by the city on July 22 after Police Chief Mike Baray asked City Council to declare it a public nuisance. The declaration was approved unanimously.

The cooperative is licensed from the State Board of Equalization to dispense marijuana for medical purposes. While medical marijuana is legal in California, many municipalities have banned dispensaries from operating.

The ruling states that CMG violates city law, as Murrieta implemented an ordinance in 2005 banning dispensaries.

CMG is appealing the judge's decision, according to court records. A court date was set for January.

The dispensary owners could not be reached for comment Thursday; nor could their attorney.

Patch learned the suite was purchased by the owners for the purpose of running the dispensary.

The injunction states they are free to conduct other business on the property, with the exception of dispensing marijuana to patients.

Nine days after it opened, owners said there were at least 200 patients who had joined the cooperative.

There are at least three dispensaries just outside Murrieta city limits, near Sky Canyon Drive, earlier this week before the suspected burglar was caught.