City Council Committee Proposes "Gentle" Ban on Dispensaries

A city council committee voted in favor for a "gentle" ban that would shut down medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the city.

The proposal would still allow patients to grow their own marijuana (if they had a prescription). Residential facilities and hospices could also provide medical marijuana for their patietns, according to KPCC.

"It's about the many who have spoiled it for the few," said Councilman Mitch Englander, chair of the Public Safety Committee.

The public safety committee for the City Council voted 3-1 on the proposal by Jose Huizar and Mitch Englander. The committee rejected a proposal by Paul Koretz to allow just 100 dispensaries to operate in the city under strict guidelines, according to The Daily News. His proposal had the backing of medical marijuana advocates who wanted to avoid created a black market.

Krekorian said, "What's happened has made a mockery of the medical marijuana law. Do we really need these on every other block? Across from every park? Within walking distance of high schools? We are struggling to find the right answer. It's like trying to build an airplane while you're flying it."

The proposal for a "gentle" ban on medical marijuana clinics will go before the City Council at an unspecified date.