With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today.
LA considers new tactics for shutting down unlicensed pot businesses
Marijuana plants are seen inside a green house, on October 10, 2010.
(
David Buimovitch/AFP/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:55
LA considers new tactics for shutting down unlicensed pot businesses
Recreational pot sales have been legal in California for the better part of a year — but that doesn't mean all pot in Los Angeles is being sold legally. Unlicensed businesses still make up a huge chunk of the city's cannabis industry.
On Friday, the L.A. City Council's Rules committee took up a number of new ideas for getting tougher on illegal businesses. Proposals included shutting off their water and power, padlocking their doors, stepping up fines for their employees, creating a new team of building code inspectors and requiring legal shops to display official emblems that distinguish them from unlicensed stores.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
