Ban The Bud? Glendale Considers Full Ban Of Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

(AP Photo/Eric Risberg)

City Council is considering an outright ban on marijuana dispensaries in Glendale after spending "nearly two years vetting their legal standing to do so," according to the Glendale News-Press.

Medical marijuana dispensaries are prohibited under the city's zoning codes, but the City Council in 2009 adopted a moratorium to completely close Glendale's borders to the shops so city attorneys could review the legal issues associated with an all-out ban.

But that moratorium is set to expire in September and officials can no longer extend it, prompting city attorneys and police to recommend enacting a citywide ban similar to those in dozens of cities across the state.

No dispensaries currently operate within Glendale city limits and medical marijuana opponents argue "quality-of-life" issues asserting that "In cities where dispensaries have been established, law enforcement agencies have reported increased burglaries, vandalism, illegal drug sales and other criminal behaviors," according to a report to the California Chiefs of Police Assn.

Medical marijuana advocates challenge the ban as being "counter to state law," and dispute opponents claims noting that crime actually decreases around regulated facilities, citing interviews with public safely officials.