The city of Los Angeles is one step closer to enforcing an ordinance that would shut down hundreds of medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the city.

There are currently about 1,000 dispensaries throughout Los Angeles, but if and when the ordinance goes into effect, only the 187 dispensaries that were registered with the city before a moratorium was issued will be able to keep their doors open. This means over 800 dispensaries will be forced to closed.

The ordinance will also prohibit dispensaries from opening or operating near schools, public parks and libraries, and religious institutions.

Before the ordinance goes into effect, two separate city council committees will be voting on registration fees for dispensary operators. The suggested fee is about $1,600 for each dispensary. Once the registration fee has been decided the ordinance can take effect.

In response to the ordinance, medical marijuana advocates are suing the city of Los Angeles in an effort to try and save the dispensaries.

Experienced Los Angeles Drug Crime Lawyers

Although the state of California permits the possession, sale, and cultivation of marijuana for medicinal purposes, laws and regulations imposed by the city of Los Angeles and the federal government make prosecuting and defending medical marijuana charges difficult and complex. At Okabe & Haushalter, we have ample experience defending people who have been arrested in connection with a medical marijuana offense. Should you choose to work with a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney at our office, you can trust your charges will be fought aggressively, and all measures will be taken to ensure you are provided with a tough and compelling defense. We have been very successful in defending clients throughout Los Angeles and South Bay against drug charges, and would be happy to use our experience, skills, and resources to help you!

For more information about our drug defense services, please contact Okabe & Haushalter today at (310) 543-7708!