Voters in Mendocino, Calif., have voted to tighten rules on the amount of marijuana a medical user may possess, a significant step in a community known to be a hotbed for both marijuana cultivation and support of medical marijuana.

The Santa Rosa Press Democrat reported June 21 that Measure B was approved by 52 percent of Mendocino County voters. The measure limits individuals to six mature marijuana plants for personal use -- the standard that has emerged across much of California -- and repeals a 2000 voter-passed initiative that makes marijuana offenses the lowest priority for local police and limited prosecution of individuals who possess less than 26 marijuana plants.

"I think it's a clear statement the citizens of Mendocino County are fed up by the abuses of the commercial growers," said Measure B supporter John McCowen, a Ukiah City Councilman. "It sends a message that Mendocino County is no longer the best place in the nation to grow commercial marijuana."

Laura Hamburg, an opponent of Measure B, said the close vote shows that while county residents want to crack down on illegal marijuana cultivation, they still support legitimate growers. Supporters of the initiative, however, said they plan other steps to drive all marijuana cultivators out of the area.