Written by: Los Angeles Dispensaries
Proponents of medical marijuana have successfully suspended a ban on storefront pot dispensaries that was supposed to go into effect September 6. According to a letter published on the Los Angeles City’s website, the City Clerk’s Office received a referendum petition with nearly 50,000 signatures.
Although City Attorney Carmen Trutanich reminds advocates that medical marijuana dispensaries are still illegal, the ban will be on hold while the City Clerk verifies the signatures, which may take 15 to 45 days. If the signatures are considered legitimate, the ban will be on hold until next March.
The Los Angeles City Council has unsuccessfully tried to regulate the number of dispensaries in LA for years. In late July, the city council finally made storefront pot dispensaries illegal by changing language in the city’s municipal code, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Even if the ban is suspended, City Attorney Carmen Trutanich writes in the letter that the business of medical marijuana continues to be an “unpermitted land use in the City.” She adds, “Further, as stated on all City business tax registered certificates, a tax registration certificate does not constitute a license, permit, or land use approval; it is solely a tax collection document.”