News » Los Angeles’ Controversial MMJ Law Upheld

Superior Court Judge Anthony Mohr ruled against 29 dispensaries challenging a Los Angeles ordinance that went into effect this summer. The law, passed by the city council last January by a vote of 9-3, forced nearly 500 dispensaries to close their doors.

The number of dispensaries in the city will be capped at 70, although any businesses open before 2007 will be granted an exception to this clause. According to officials this will bring the number of authorized dispensaries to around 150. The ordinance requires that dispensaries be located at least 1000 feet from other dispensaries and “sensitive areas” such as schools, parks and libraries, requires that the dispensaries close by 8pm, and bans marijuana use on their premises.

In his ruling, Judge Mohr rejected all of the arguments raised by collectives, concluding that the local law was properly adopted, provides due process rights, protects patient privacy and does not set up an arbitrary process to limit dispensaries.

Aaron Lachant, a lawyer whose firm represents 21 of the dispensaries, said he was disappointed. “We believe the ordinance poses a threat to patient safety,” he said. “We’re exploring our options to invalidate the city’s ordinance, and one of those options does include an appeal.”

Los Angeles and the collectives are also trying to negotiate a settlement. “Our clients are still willing to work with the city to find a reasonable solution,” Lachant said.

[source LA Times]

Tags: Aaron Lachant, Anthony Mohr, California, dispensary, dispensary ban, Los Angeles