Why L.A. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Remain Open Today

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Los Angeles' ban on storefront medical marijuana dispensaries was set to take effect today, that is until a group of activists presented approximately 50,000 signatures to the city on August 30 in opposition of the ordinance.

The City Clerk's Office is busy verifying the signatures, which means that the "Gentle Ban" has been placed on hold. A message from City Attorney Carmen A. Trutanich, dated September 5, explains the moratorium:

From the date the referendum petition was received and throughout the time it will take for the City Clerk to verify the signatures on the referendum petition (estimated 15-45 days), the City Attorney's Office will not enforce Ordinance 182190. The ordinance may or may not remain suspended after the City Clerk's review depending on whether the City Clerk determines that the petition contains the required number of valid voter signatures.

The message continues to state that "the business of medical marijuana continues to be an unpermitted land use in the City." Trutanich's memo in its entirety is included below.

A minimum of 27,425 valid signatures from registered city voters are required to move the issue to the March ballot.

City Councilman Jose Huizar, who championed the ban, has said that while the ban is currently on hold, state law only permits "a qualified patient or their caregiver to grow their own (marijuana) or collectives consisting of three or fewer qualified patients or their caregivers," according to City News Service. This portion of state law has been incorporated into the ban, which is why it has been dubbed the "Gentle Ban."

The City Council voted unanimously on July 24 in favor of the ban, citing conflicting court opinions as to whether or not the city can regulate cannabis collectives. All 1,046 suspected dispensaries operating within the city of L.A. were promptly mailed letters ordering them to shut down by September 6 (today), or else face court action as well as a $2,500 fine for each day they remained open past the deadline.

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News Hawk- TruthSeekr420 420 MAGAZINE
Source: laist.com
Author: Lauren Lloyd
Contact: Contact: LAist
Website: Why L.A. Medical Marijuana Dispensaries Remain Open Today: LAist
 
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