In March of 2013, voters in Los Angeles approved Proposition D.
The measure outlawed medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles but granted limited immunity to 135 shops that have been registered with the city since 2007.
Since the passage of Prop D, many dispensaries and businesses in the city have been shut down. A notable casualty of Proposition D is Speedweed. The marijuana delivery service was ordered to cease operations in Los Angeles earlier this month. “There is no lawful delivery service under Prop D.” City Attorney Mike Feuer said.
The regulations have caused frustration and confusion for some businesses as previously noted by MG.
Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson plans to introduce a motion that would expand Prop D’s reach. City staffers are researching how to craft a measure so that Los Angeles could “extend Proposition D’s gross receipts tax to all marijuana-related businesses.”
The city is also concerned with ensuring compliance with the state’s Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA). In December, Governor Jerry Brown signed MMRSA. The act requires state and local licensing for marijuana dispensaries.
Currently, Prop D does not permit medical marijuana dispensaries outright and does not issue licenses. Wesson is seeking to structure a measure that would bring the city into compliance with state law. Additionally, his measure suggests “increased penalties and enforcement to close down all illegal marijuana-related businesses.”
Another intention of the proposed measure would be to allow Los Angeles to be positioned to properly oversee recreational marijuana businesses if state residents pass the Adult Use of Marijuana (AUMA) act this November. There is a very real chance that AUMA will become law. Recent polling indicates that approximately 60% of Californians support recreational marijuana.
If Wesson’s measure moves forward it would appear on the March 2017 ballot. Approval would give the measure enough time to be in place before MMRSA takes effect in 2018.
