Medford council bans growing of marijuana

MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — Medford officials have approved a ban on both recreational and medicinal marijuana growing operations.

The Mail Tribune reports that the City Council voted 6-2 in favor of the ban Thursday. The ordinance, which makes marijuana growing a violation and not a criminal charge, will be taken up for a second reading because the vote wasn't unanimous.

Council members who voted in support of the ban cited the possibility of increased crime and complaints from neighbors.

But police Lt. Kevin Walruff presented statistics to council members that showed pot-related crimes have decreased in Medford since Oregon legalized marijuana in July. Walruff also says most of the marijuana growing complaints his office has received have been resolved through mediation.