Contributions, bills stack up for group backing Measure F

A group in favor of medical marijuana dispensaries in Encinitas has spent far more than it’s taken in so far.

Citizens for Patients Rights is raising money in support of Measure F, an initiative that would allow up to seven dispensaries to open in Encinitas. The organization is also financially supporting a similar initiative in La Mesa.

According to recently released financial paperwork, the group has raised $13,396 for the La Mesa and Encinitas campaigns, but it has also spent $35,759.

For the Encinitas campaign, most of that money has gone toward a survey to gauge voter support, mailers and campaign consultants.

The group’s largest contribution came from Encinitas resident David Bronner, owner of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, who gave $5,000.

Bronner also pledged $100,000 to California’s Prop 19, which sought to legalize marijuana. And he has also made national news for protesting in front of the White House U.S. policy that prevents farmers from growing industrial hemp.

Another notable contributor: Andrew Arter, the president of San Diego-based Bella Flora Inc., a medical marijuana delivery service, contributed $1,500. And Dion Markgraaff, a Vista consultant who has long advocated for medical marijuana reform, plunked down $200.

Updated financial disclosures are due Oct. 26, the last round before the Nov. 4 election.

Encinitas has a $250 limit on individual contributions to candidates, but there’s no contribution cap on initiatives.

Judi Strang, executive director of the San Dieguito Alliance for Drug Free Youth, which is against Measure F, said that to her knowledge, there isn’t an opposition group raising money. Strang noted that some parents who are against the initiative have taken it upon themselves to create and put up signs around the city.