Backers of local pot initiative still going strong

Kern Citizens for Patient Rights has spent more than $75,000 to challenge Bakersfield’s medical marijuana dispensary ban, and with fewer than 60 days until petitions are due, a board member said Monday the group is confident it will make the ballot.

Just not the November ballot.

Organizers of the Medical Cannabis Initiative had 180 days, until 5 p.m. Oct. 25, to collect at least 15,438 signatures from registered voters who live within city limits and qualify their measure for a future ballot.

That’s at least 10 percent…