Governor Jerry Brown has signed AB 1300, a new law which will go into effect on January 1st, 2012 and allow California cities including Los Angeles clear authority to restrict medical marijuana dispensaries location and operation.
While the new law will limit how marijuana dispensaries are operated, it is unclear as to weather the bill legally strengthens recognition that medical marijuana distribution is a valid concept.
From the LA Times:
Brown signed AB 1300, which was introduced by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield (D-Woodland Hills) after several pot shops filed lawsuits challenging Los Angeles’ authority to regulate them.
The measure, supported by the Los Angeles city attorney, authorizes local government to adopt ordinances regulating the location and operation of the dispensaries and to file civil or criminal claims against violators.
“This is a great victory for communities which have been struggling with rogue dispensaries popping up overnight without any regard for their laws relating to business licensure and zoning restrictions,’’ Blumenfield said. “The new law will provide a framework for stability after years of struggling with a Wild West, lawless proliferation of dispensaries across California that sometimes constitute a public nuisance or worse.”
Additional coverage on the bill can be read at the LAWeekly by clicking here.
