LA TIMES– Los
Angeles city
prosecutors began notifying 439 medical marijuana dispensaries Tuesday that
they must shut down by June 7, when the city’s ordinance to regulate the stores
takes effect. It’s the first step in what could be a lengthy and expensive
legal battle to regain control over pot sales.
The letters, which were sent to both dispensary operators and property owners,
warn that violations of the city’s laws are a misdemeanor and could lead to six
months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Collectives that stay open after the deadline
could also face civil penalties of $2,500 a day.
“We’re hopeful that the fact that we’ve given them more than 30 days to
comply that a significant number of them will cease operating,” said Asha
Greenberg, the assistant city attorney who has handled most of the efforts to
close dispensaries.
Los Angeles became the epicenter of
the state’s dispensary boom last year, following the Obama administration’s
announcement that it would not prosecute medical marijuana stores that adhered
to state law. Although the city had a moratorium on new dispensaries, it failed
to enforce the ban and hundreds opened with no oversight, triggering complaints
from neighborhood activists.
The letters were welcomed by city officials and activists as
a sign that the contentious issue, which was first considered by the City
Council five years ago, is nearing a resolution.
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