The Hermiston City Council voted Monday to ban medical marijuana dispensaries within its city limits, the latest local government to prohibit the outlets.

The unanimous council vote is effective immediately, according to assistant city manager Mike Morgan.

The council voted to amend the city's controlled substances code to include a ban on dispensaries. The city zoning code already states that establishments must follow federal law. Marijuana is illegal under federal law.

that medical marijuana advocates attended the meeting.

The vote comes as the Oregon Legislature grapples with the issue of local control over dispensaries. The Oregon Senate unanimously approved a bill that would allow local governments to regulate time, place and manner of dispensary operations. The House of Representatives is considering

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-- Noelle Crombie