This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Feds called as dispensaries pop-up like weeds in Garden Grove
Garden Grove police want federal officials to help them deal with the increasing number of medical marijuana dispensaries in their city.
(
Photo by Dank Depot via Flickr Creative Commons
)
Listen
0:49
Feds called as dispensaries pop-up like weeds in Garden Grove
Garden Grove police want federal officials to help them deal with the increasing number of medical marijuana dispensaries in their city.
Police Chief Kevin Raney broke the news to the Garden Grove City Council Tuesday night that his department has been in touch with federal agents.
Raney estimates there are about 60 medical marijuana dispensaries in the city of 170,000 people.
Maureen Blackmun is with the Central Garden Grove Neighborhood Association. She had voted in favor of medical marijuana but now says there are just too many dispensaries in the city.
“Anybody who needs it should have it," says Blackmun. "I have no problems with that. I have a problem with the number, and the unregulated situation.”
“Let’s just make it legal for everyone and stop the charade," she concludes, adding that legalization would solve problems with jail overcrowding and produce tax revenue.
Like many California cities, Garden Grove is caught up in the legal confusion over medical marijuana. The drug is allowed in the state of California, but illegal according to the federal government. That's led to a cornucopia of lawsuits and repeal propositions.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
