Forget the fiscal crisis, Los Angeles has declared war on marijuana dispensers

from the Los Angeles Times:



L.A. is trying to weed out pot sellers
Hundreds are selling medical marijuana in the city. The council is looking for a way to reduce the number.

By John Hoeffel
June 28, 2009


A city inspector dropped by the Bulldog Cafe Collective on Melrose Avenue last week to see if it was still in business. It was. Inside the spare, modern interior, dusky green marijuana buds were still displayed in plastic jars. An owner who is often at the store tweezed whimsically named strains into small vials for customers.

The store near Hancock Park is among the first 14 medical marijuana dispensaries targeted for extinction by a City Council chagrined that it allowed hundreds to open in Los Angeles despite a 21-month-old moratorium.

The inspections start the process to shut them down. At least one, in Atwater Village, has already closed. But others remain open, weighing their legal options.

City officials plan to decide this week on the next enforcement step.

On Monday, the council will accelerate its drive to roll back the number of dispensaries, holding hearings on 29 more. "We were trying to factor in a significant number so that we can make some headway," said Councilman Ed Reyes, the chairman of the planning committee. "I thought we were going too slow."

As the council embarks on this effort, it faces some obstacles. .........(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-medical-marijuana28-2009jun28,0,4885411.story

what a crock. End the freakin' drug war, and stop harassing pot smokers!

than gang bangers.

another awesome promise he totally kept.

try reading the article

They lie, and tell landlords that their property will either perish in fire, or will become condemned for mold. They have vague standards, and arent sure which standard applies to growers. In fact, the cops I had the misfortune of meeting at midnight didnt even know if it was legal to grow! The system of med mar. is unofficial. They dont even have a system that makes enforcement real, or consistent. The zoot suit riots were a few years ago. Maybe we should grow up now. They also will try to tie your income into growing, even if you are a patient. Then, they will confiscate your stuff. And you get to prove that you own it. Good luck. The only approach is to be untravigilant. And leave the distinct impression that you are chomping at the bit to own them in court. And forevermore. That of course doesnt work for potshop owners. Tough spot. Heroes. They fight for us all.

a solid, established system, either liberal or regressive. this leaves the whole issue open to interpretation, manipulation and corruption.

I don't remember the details but there was a law meant to regulate the number and location of dispensaries but somehow there was a major loophole and the number actually exploded. I think there are over 600 in L.A. now. So this is not exactly a "war" but more like going through one by one and painstakingly looking at the technical details to see which ones get to remain in business.

On the backs of the ill. Disgusting. Even if we totally legalized it, there is vehicle enforcement, tax enforcement, provider enforcement, liscensing, fda enforcement. Truth in labeling, etc. False claims for efficacy. Dosage enforcement. They will make it unfun, just like they want sex to be.

you know, i'm in FL right now and we're no where near having any sort of decriminalized status for MJ. so, from my point of view is CA is at least on the right track. right now there's a struggle, and people are going to be caught in the crossfire -- but at least there's a glimmer of hope for people who need MMJ to live. and, the bright side i see is that pro-MMJ people are incredibly passionate about the issue, which bodes well for the future of the fight. i think you will prevail. i really do. but, people are indeed going to suffer in the meantime.