Earlier this month, Long Beach put on hold making a decision on a new law regulating medical marijuana dispensaries. State lawmakers have now passed three laws, expected to be signed by Gov. Jerry Brown, giving the city more guidance.

In an analysis of the state’s Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act released Friday, Long Beach assistant city attorney Michael Mais found that:

• The act makes clear local entities such as Long Beach retain their right to ban dispensaries if they choose

• The law also makes clear that cities are fully empowered to adopt regulatory laws governing medical marijuana

• Cities would have the power to levy marijuana-related taxes

Background

Long Beach’s Planning Commission approved a draft medical marijuana ordinance last October, recommending:

• The city have no more than 18 dispensaries in the city

• That dispensaries obtain conditional use permits

• That dispensaries operate 1,500 feet away from any high school and 1,000 feet away from other schools

A special committee empowered by the City Council then recommended other provisions for the local law:

• Assessing a fee on dispensaries and requiring providers to submit marijuana products for laboratory testing

• A provision that would allow marijuana deliveries

• A provision that would allow providers to share their product

Controversy

People on both sides of the medical marijuana came out to the council’s Sept. 1 meeting:

“I’m appalled to hear the word ‘ban’ all over again,” medical marijuana supporter Larry King said during the meeting. King was a member of the city’s medical marijuana committee.

At least one council member wants Long Beach to keep its ban, at least for the time being. Councilwoman Stacy Rose Mungo wants the city to refuse dispensaries until the state’s regulatory framework is in effect.

“I hope my colleagues will support a ban until protections are in place for patients and neighbors,” she said.

What’s next

The assistant city attorney’s report is scheduled to be discussed when the Long Beach council meets on Tuesday.

The City Council is scheduled to meet at 5 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall, 333 W. Ocean Blvd.

Contact Andrew Edwards at 562-499-1274.