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The storefronts denied today had all applied for hardship exemptions before it was removed from the city's marijuana dispensary moratorium earlier this afternoon. Only owners from two stores appeared to speak during public comment, noting they were unprepared because notices of today's hearing were only sent out last Friday.
The owner of Grasshopper 215 in the West Valley spoke with his lawyer explaining that he was a legitimate business. Then Councilman Dennis Zine pulled up a police report citing numerous issues including increase in crime, a DEA raid on the previous owners and other issues regarding the location.
No matter, all cases were denied unanimously, therefore making the handful of stores illegal.
What's next? it won't be the LAPD busting in, knocking down doors and slapping cuffs on employees. It's a rather lengthy process that begins with Building and Safety inspectors citing stores, then issuing an order to comply and then having the city attorney's office file a lawsuit.
The council will continue to rule on the over 500 hardship exemptions applications submitted over the last two years throughout future meetings.
*UPDATE: The original post said 14 exemptions were denied, but two dispensaries withdrew their applications before the hearing.
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This demonstrates bigotry against marijuana users stoked by decades of misinformation from the federal government.
Marijuana should be legal not only for medical patients, but also for recreational use as a safer, less fattening alternative to beer.
If you want marijuana to be legalized, taxed, and regulated for adults, YOU can make it happen. Tell your legislators to support California Assembly Bill 390. It's easy. Visit yes390.org
the city is broke. the state is broke. yet they want to close one of the few business' that are making money. license these guys, make $40 on an ounce, good to see these vacant property's open and making money.....
better than a liquor store on every corner, which the council never seemed to mind....
Thanks Zach and laist for this story. As usual, laist has its fingers on the pulse of what is going on in the City.
I guess I don't understand the City leaders. Calif. is broke. Los Angeles is saying it's going to let people out of jail early. The comment that there are more "of these shops" than Starbucks & McDonalds.......ok....so? When the people don't want to pay for over priced coffee, or there are to many Starbucks, the store loose money and it CLOSES! There are 800 (approx) shops selling medical marijuana, they are open because the population supports it. If no one was buying, it will close. Or prices will drop and again, shops will close. Of course these places should NOT be within 1000ft of a school, church, park, etc etc. Again, the City in their rush, didn't write that (yet) in their rules. The 12 that got shot down is only the start. It's a kangaroo hearing. In the last round, 29 up, 28 shot down, 1 with a continuance until round of hangings, I mean hearings. Tax each shop 10,000 that's 8 million $$$ boys and girls. Make everyone that wants a medical card, again, city charge 10.00 hummm small guess of people that "need" to have a card 500,000 that's 5 million?! IS THAT 13 MILLION?!?! That could support more police, firefighters, teachers....... how much are they spending just to get rid of these shops?