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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 Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

KPCC Archive

LA considers shutting off water and power for unlicensed pot shops

A man walks past a medicinal marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles,CA on November 2, 2010. Californians will vote today on whether to make their famously laid-back US state the world's first to legalize all marijuana consumption, cultivation and trade. Growing and selling marijuana for medicinal purposes has been legal here since 1996, but a hard-fought referendum held the same day as congressional and gubernatorial races would take it a step further. Proposition 19 -- one of a series of referendums held on November 2 -- would allow people aged 21 and over to possess up to one ounce (28 grams) of marijuana and grow up to 25 square feet (2.32 square meter) of pot plants.           AFP PHOTO/Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
A man walks past a medicinal marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles,CA on November 2, 2010.
(
MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images
)

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LA considers shutting off water and power for unlicensed pot shops

Since recreational pot became legal at the beginning of the year, Los Angeles has charged hundreds of people in connection with 105 unlicensed cannabis businesses in the city. But that hasn't stopped other illegal pot shops from continuing to operate in broad daylight, undercutting the legal shops that pay taxes and follow strict regulations. 

Now, two city council members are considering cracking down on unlicensed pot businesses by cutting off their water and power. If their motion is passed, city staff would have a month to report back on the feasibility of simply turning off utilities for pot shops that aren't playing by the city's rules. 

 

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