Judge grants injunction against city's medical marijuana dispensary ban

A Superior Court judge concluded today that Los Angeles' moratorium on new medical marijuana dispensaries is invalid and granted a preliminary injunction against enforcement of the ban sought by a dispensary that had sued the city.

Judge James C. Chalfant determined that the city failed to follow state law when it extended its initial moratorium. "The city cannot rely on an expired ordinance," he said.

Green Oasis and a number of other medical marijuana collectives sued the city last month, challenging its efforts to control the dispensaries. The lawsuit argued that the City Council violated state law when it extended the ban until mid-March and that it is unconstitutionally vague.

Although the injunction applies only to Green Oasis, the judge's ruling calls into question the city's power to enforce the moratorium against hundreds of dispensaries that have opened in the last two years. The ruling could inspire other dispensaries to join the lawsuit or file similar actions.

Despite the moratorium, the city has seen explosive growth in the number of dispensaries. Under the ban, the city allowed 186 outlets to remain open. Many more – the exact number is unknown – are operating in neighborhoods across the city, and more continue to open.

In its answer to the lawsuit, the city argued that the moratorium is not subject to the conditions and limitations of state law because it is not an ordinance dealing with zoning, but with public safety. Zoning ordinances cannot be extended beyond 24 months. The city adopted the first of two moratoriums on Aug. 1, 2007.

The judge rejected that argument.

The city also argued that a decision to issue an injunction would cause "grave irreparable harm." "This lawsuit is not just about one 'bad apple.' It is about illegally dealing marijuana," the city's answer said. "Hundreds of unlawful marijuana stores have cropped up throughout the City and will likely attempt to bootstrap their illegal operation on the outcome of this action."

Jeri Burge, an assistant city attorney, told the judge this morning that granting the injunction would "reward illegal conduct."

"You're going to open the floodgates," she said.

Robert A. Kahn, an attorney for Green Oasis, argued that the dispensary did nothing wrong, noting that, under state law, the moratorium expired 45 days after it was first enacted. "The did not believe they were violating the law," he said.

The L.A. City Council has struggled for more than two years to write a permanent ordinance to replace the temporary ban.

Dan Lutz, a co-owner of Green Oasis and president of the collective association, filed the lawsuit after the council voted to shut down his dispensary, which opened in May.

Lutz, like hundreds of other dispensary owners in Los Angeles, had filed a request with the council for an exemption from the moratorium so he could operate, but opened without permission. The council failed to act on these requests until June, an oversight that prevented city officials from taking legal steps to close the dispensaries.

-- John Hoeffel at L.A. Superior Court

Where's the weed? Times medical marijuana interactive map.

More breaking news in L.A. Now:

Shots fired at Oxnard juvenile court; gunman sought

Church pastors urging Latino organizations not to boycott census

Victim identified in fatal Valinda stabbing

Fertility doctor who treated octuplets' mom expelled by medical society

Crisis counselors at Hollywood High after football player's death

$1 billion expansion of LAX expected to win approval today

Man and woman found dead in apparent murder-suicide in Norwalk

Shooting in Northridge leaves one dead

Comments

[Frustrated by Ignorance]

It is about time level headed people begin to show the hypocrisy in our marijuana laws. Lets legalize it, tax it, and let free enterprise have its fill. I thought we learned our lesson with the prohibition of alcohol, who by the way kills more people in a day with its health side effects than marijuana has killed in the world's entire history. Read up on the issue and open your eyes, or you can rent "the union" from your local dvd rental place and see for yourself. Lets stop living in fear and be proactive. Read both sides of any debate and make a level headed decision.

[Tommy]

I do not use medical or recreational marijuana, however, I cannot name one problem in my neighborhood as a result of medical marijuana dispensaries increasing their presence in the city. As far as I am concerned this is a zoning issue and not a public safety one, and it is good to see a judge take that position as well. In fact, a legal pathway to prescription marijuana use with easy access citywide seems to be reducing the presence of certain gangs and dealers in the area. I honestly wish the state could collect taxes on recreational use and sale as well; it's time to stop equating marijuana with a problem drug just because of which politically unpopular groups have historically enjoyed it.

[Guinea Pig Zed]

Happy days are here again, the sun is going to shine again!
It's legal over the counter, under the counter, over a bush, under a duck.

[Cindy]

I'm glad, because I HATE watching police act like G.I Joe's when trying to enforce drug laws. i am beside myself as I watch so many people struggle to make it financially right now only to see our tax dollars go toward something like this that is not an issue compared to the other crime that goes on around here.

Question: Why is it that police seem to spend so much time and effort on marijuana when there are more serious and potentially fatal crimes that actually affect other people going on with little to no resistance?

When people that work laborious jobs for little pay and appreciation pay taxes that support the salaries of our police officers, maybe they should have a little say in what they themselves can consume?

[HRG]

i am a 31 year old man who has smoked from time to time throughout my life and to be honest with you i think i have only met 1 person who has not smoked it. it does not do the things that i was taught it would do, it does not make you want to try other drugs, it does not make you do things you would normally not do. it makes me laugh, eat junk food, watch cartoons then take a nap. when i wake up, its out of my system and i can be a productive part of society. why not deregulate it sell it for profit and tax it? i can by a pack of cigaretts that can give me cancer without a problem . i can also buy a bottle of whiskey and drink it to the point of death and thats no problem at all. id rather eat, laugh and take a nap than drink drive and take a dirt nap.

[Sam T.]

it should be legal anyway, its safer than alcohol and most know this, the laws against using marijuana are laughable, no one tells you what you can and cant consume, and the day our government figures this out well once again have room for violent criminals in our prisons, well have prosperous times again, well have respect for law enforcement again, well have gangs and cartels broke and unable to persuade so many politicians and law enforcement agents, well have more Americans working and paying taxes and less prisoners to pay $45,000.00 per year to house.

Should be legal and will cause problems until it is legal.

[Sober]

Marijuana was the first drug I ever took. After that I became an addict and alcoholic for more than a decade. Marijuana was always part of my regimen of substances to get intoxicated and escape the realities of the world.

I am now sober for more than a decade and want nothing to do with any drug or intoxicating substance because I have faced some of the harsh consequences resulting from addiction.

The other day new folks moved in next door. Their unit has a balcony right next to mine. The neighbor was having a housewarming party and one of the guests went on the balcony to smoke pot. Several people joined the man and the smoke from the Marijuana came into my home. I was sick for two days, with feelings nausea, itching eyes and headache.

Other neighbors complained about the Marijuana smoke and after several hours of on-going noise and smoke I called the authorities and was told there was nothing I could do about the smoke, only the noise.

I have spent many years getting sober and learning to appreciate life on life’s terms. I am no longer being shamed for smoking pot, shamed for being an alcoholic and an addict have worked on myself to get sober and live life right. How is it that the same government which told me drugs are bad for me and that I am not in good standing as a citizen for using drugs, now tells me they don’t care so long as Government can profit?

There is something seriously wrong with all this.

[Rudy]

There is an enormous amount of crime connected to these dispensaries - that's the problem. There have been three violent armed robberies of dispensaries in my neighborhood just so far this year. Not to mention the teenagers hanging out at the dispensaries, and the sleazy looking people carrying large bags in and out of them. Many of these places are connected to gangs and drug cartels - that's what we are concerend about. Wake up, people. We don't care if you smoke pot at home - we just don't want drug dealers taking over the stores in our neighborhood.

[Pam]

If marijuana was legalized and taxed and treated as the business it is, without the "reefer madness" hysteria, that would make sense. It seems like this is the last fight that these phony city officials have in which they can sound as pompous and ridiculous as they are. Apparently, all the gangs are gone and the streets are crime free since they have made pot their big issue. Priorities, people, priorities! Enough already, legalize it.

[Westwood Ron]

This is not an issue of whether marijuana should be legal (for what it's worth, I totally agree we should legalize and tax it). But this is about public safety, and zoning, in our communities.

We regulate liquor licenses and liquor store locations. Why should marijuana be any different?

The previous commenter says: "I cannot name one problem in my neighborhood as a result of medical marijuana dispensaries increasing their presence in the city."

Let me help you name it: robberies. These stores have valuable drugs and an unusual amount of cash. They are being robbed. They are increasing security as a result. Unsavory characters are hanging around them. Etc.

This is not a puritanical complaint, but instead a desire that communities be able to regulate what goes in and around them. Also known as common sense, normal state of affairs -- why should marijuana get any special treatment?

[Warren]

It is time we decriminalize marijuana.

[matt]

Judge James C. Chalfant is a hero. People have died from not having safe access to their medicine. Support states rights,support Medical Marijuana, and recall steve cooley.

[FLaKO]

LEGALIZE WEED

[champ]

"You're going to open the floodgates," she said. (Jeri Burge, an assistant city attorney).
A little late with that. Where has she been?
With more than 800 dispensaries, i think the flood gates are already wide open.
Time to tax it and be responsible. Be progressive. Allow the collectives to grow and sell it.
Since the Mexican cartels are using the enormous profits from their marijuana sales to cause violent havoc then allowing Americans to sell it is a great solution.
Yes go after the Mexican Cartels who are illegally growing it in our National Forests but leave the mom and pops alone.

[Karl Dahlquist]

Does the city make any money on all this pot?

[stewart]

theres gotta be a catch here? a judge that sides with the voters? cant be?

[Iona]

Yaaayyy - and to Carmen Trutanich - just remember, the voters have long memories. Stop wasting the tax payers dollars on this nonsense. We already voted to allow access.

[Iona]

Oh and one more thing - Trutanich stated he wants to force patients who legally use medical marijuana to REGISTER WITH THE POLICE! This is so despicable and reprehensible - to make criminals of sick people; to behave like some tin-horn dictator running a police-state, and to not understand that it's against the LAW! Federal HIPAA privacy regulations about medical records prohibits this!!!

Come election time the voters will decide they want someone who understands the law.

[bkl]

The real issue is not marijuana, but the total incompetence of the LA City Council. Of course they couldn't follow state law; that would require reading skills they don't possess. Which is why the City Council should have taken the District Attorney's advice. They did? Oops, never mind. So they are both incompetent, Councils past and present and District Attorneys past and present.

[Balloon Boy]

"Marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.”

If people could just go into a store and buy it here then wouldn't this help our economy and keep the money here?

[Rod]

I also do not use marijuana but I am not wholly against it being legal. I would like it to be taxed like any other business and everyone of them should be audited by the IRS. They should also be a state agency to inspect for quality/strength of their products. Also how are these dispensaries being supplied? Do home growers sell to them? I would like these places to operate like a pharmacy rather than a liquor store.

[Pedro]

Dear Rudy,

If marijuana were legalized, regulated and taxed we would have access to organically grown, American farmed weed. The skeezy characters would disappear along with the pesticide sprayed pot from Mexico.

[Skippy loks]

where the budd at?????

[truth is...]

these dispenseries DO help cut back marijuana related crimes... i myself am "legal" and these banks sure beat having to go down some alley to find some shady fellow with some weed in the hopes of not getting set up or worse. the bank i frequent has bouncers. the types of people that utilize these banks are from ALL kind of walks of life. i dont think walking into one is more dangerous then walking into any other store or public place. how about we go after the real criminals on wallstreet, maybe those in government, how about keep better tabs on the sexual offenders in the neighborhoods? more weed banks== less street transactions== less crime boda boom boda bing

[Bill]

I think it is time that our city council and Steve Cooley stop aiding and abetting
the Mexican Mafia.

[TheBigPicture]

I think we should legalize all drugs; marijuana, cocaine, heroin, PCP etc...and the Government should provide it in certain zoned areas for free. This would reduce crime dramatically. Now of course some people may turn into drug induced zombies, but that's their choice. Place these zones out of public view so these drug users can waste away at their leisure.

[HGUS]

Sorry, i don't buy the public saftey argument.

I live in a sleepy upper income little town in Orange County, in the past six months 3 banks have been robbed (one of those was robbed twice in 3 weeks).

I don't use pot and my town has a prohibition on dispensories, but by the same argument that many are making regarding public saftey we should shut down all banks.

Banks made this realization and installed expensive security systems. Even 7-11 stores now have elaborate security systems. None of this is due to regulation, it is due to common sense business.

From what i am reading most dispensories are installing security measures to protect their assests. Once this occurs, while dispensories will likely not be as secure as banks, but certainly more secure than your local 7-11.

[Anusia]

It is very UNsurprising that the readers of LA Times are very much into legalizing marijuana.... hmmm, what does that say about the leaning of the paper?

My only question is: do we really need more of half-awake, half-thinking, dozing people in this county? We have enough of those already, even without marijuana's help.

So Cal needs intelligent, common-sense, fully-engaged individuals, not more people in a semi-vegetative state.

I applaud you "Sober". Yes, the world is falling all around us, but there are still good people out there and we appreciate others who are serious as to how they approach their lives and who want to 'improve' and become productive members of this society.

[Korgoth]

This should be a zoning issue the same for liquor stores and strip clubs. If one community doesn't want it in their area fine then let the city decide. This will mean that another city that does allow them will reap the benefit of getting the tax dollars that come from its sale.

Now I'm not against medical marijuana dispensaries or medical marijuana since I legally use it for stress and a sleep problem but ?I do believe that a city has the right to set standards regarding any business in within their city limits.

If there are crime linked to these medical marijuana dispensaries then just like a bar or other business operating in the city limits the city must try to work with the business owner to reduce the crime. If the business owner doesn't then the city attorney has the right to shut it down. But they must be fair, they can't go after just the medical marijuana dispensaries they must look at all businesses that are in the area that could also be contributing to the crime.

There are some medical marijuana dispensaries I have visited that were what I consider "shady" but a majority of others are ones that always ask for proof you are allowed to buy medical marijuana.

[marisa ragusa]

weed is good for u

[Concerned_Parent]

As a nation, we would be wise to adopt an approach allowing individuals to grow a little marijuana for personal use. It will put the illegal drug dealers out of business in a year. Limit the size of the growing area or the number of plants, and put a small user-fee on it to cover administrative costs, something like a fishing license.

One possibility:$100 per year for a permit to cultivate a dozen plants.
It's a win-win.

[MP]

I am a high-level executive at a well-known, multi-million dollar defense supplier, whose job depends on speaking with other high-level execs, and often military personnel, on a daily basis. I am also an avid user of this "medicine", and have been since the start of my career. I can attest to the unparalleled benefits gained from its use. There is no greater stress reliever, to me, than to go home and take a small dose of this medicine, without having to worry about the harmful side effects like those expereinced from alcohol. Granted, I believe that there are people who have addictive personalities, and should stay away from any mood-altering substance. However, I have yet to understand the arguement that legalizing Marijuana would cause more harm than good. Understanding the principles of a for-profit business, I am baffled how our nation could reject such a profitable "comodity", and refrain from its regulation and taxation that could surely benefit our nation as a whole. I would gladly be open to showing a prime example of how an ordinary citizen could still climb the corporate ladder, and mark high achievements, despite their use of this beneficial yet "illegal" substance. I will never stop my use (though I am very physically able to), and will always vote in favor of its legalization. Though this article is not about its legalization, and about zoning ordinances, I think it is important that people speak out about the non-harmful effects of marijuana. You never know who is reading. Just don't tell my superiors! To those of you whose argument is based on increased robberies at dispensaries, I remind you that any smart businessman/woman would take the proper precautions by implementing "loss prevention" measures. If this means more security, it also means more jobs available in the market.

[Fred Evil]

Sober,

You're a liar. A sham intended to perpetuate the foolish hysteria surrounding cannabis.

Some smoke blew in your home from a neighbors balcony, and you were sick for two days?! Itchy eyes, headache?!?

Liar, Liar, pants on fire!!

[jimboo]

Just like liquor stores. Regulate them. Police them. Tax them. Watch the revenue pour in.

Lots of good points in this debate on both sides, but the times have changed, and strong political will can turn this lame chicken into a golden goose.

The problem is finding politicians who will sign on to permitting the dispensaries with smart, tough regulation. Our politicians don't care about us, they care about votes. When they perceive that they are losing votes, they will act. So when they come sniffing around for your vote next time, call back and tell them what YOU want. It's what YOU can do to make things better.

[Bill]

Anusia,
It is a big mistake to think that we are all addicts or recovering addicts.

The vast majority of humans can smoke marijuana, drink alcohol and take prescribed drugs WITHOUT abuse!

For the minority who have addictive illness, you need to stay away from ALL
of the above, forever!

[Concerned_Parent]

Good news today about Federal prosecutions, too.
It's time to write a thank you note to the President. http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/

[sandy]

My aunt has terminal cancer and pot relieves her symptoms a little, she's not exactly "happy high" but she's not miserable for a little while. My family and I look after her, no way could she grow her own pot.

So this new Cooley- Trutanich "law" that says ALL sales are illegal is just plain crazy. Coming as it does now especially, as the Obama Administration has said it won't go after shops that abide by California law. According to Attorney General Jerry Brown and general understanding, law-abiding shops that have opened and pay taxes and are even members of Chamber of Commerce, ARE legal. Of course we all want to get rid of any that attract criminal activity or sell to minors, but Cooley saying "almost 100% are illegal" shows his real hand.

Trutanich the new City Attorney threw us under the bus because he got us to campaign for him promising he'd be a lot more sympathetic to our cause than Rocky was or Jack Weiss would have been. The day after his election one of our most prominent members and owner of a long-time highly regarded legal shop in West Hollywood, Don Duncan, wrote in the leading blog for our community that this was a HUGE VICTORY FOR THE PRO-MEDICAL CANNABIS COMMUNITY, patients and Caregivers like me. (aboutmedicalmarijuana.com)

WHAT A SHOCK to find that Trutanich's promises were all total lies, that he has a passionate hatred for pot of all kinds and for patients judging by how he treated us since, that YouTube on LACityWatch.com and now Duncan's blog being only one example caught on tape. AT a "make nice" town hall meeting, so that's the best he can do.

Another medical cannabis patient who needs it to function normally writes about what many of us feel in working so hard to getting him elected, walking precincts and begging everyone we know to get out and vote - and we made a huge difference in a small turn-out election - to be treated with contempt.

Trutanich in fact persuaded the City Council which our side had been working more or less productively with, to scrap a near-agreement that would have left the best-run shops open, and told them they must go to war with us. Just last week - with NO advance notice, it was pulled on us 1/2 before a full City Council meeting.

The excuses about "pesticides" are a pretext to close them all down, and don't hold upto scrutiny. If Trutanich wanted to run as a rightwing Republican to the right of Rush Limbaugh with his buddy Cooley he should have SAID SO and let the voters decide, but he lied, used us and abused us. This is the worst thing someone who's supposed to uphold the law can do, show his utter lack of integrity. He MUST be recalled.

He's also got dangerous anger management issues, like what he did to those women patients who questioned him last Saturday at the Neighborhood Council meeting, he's even threatening to throw a City Councilwoman in jail, commission members who volunteer their time, a big company like AEG and even the cops? LOOSE CANON is a too-kind word. It's literally hard to believe he can be this bad.

[sandy]

I forgot to give the name of the blog I referred to, by another medical cannabis patient who was tricked into working hard for Trutanich (UnTruTanich or FALSEtanich as she calls him): waronme.blogspot.com, Oct. 13, "How Trutanich got us to work for him and threw us under the bus." Read and decide for yourself if you think this lack of integrity is fit for any sort of public office.

[Bonny]

It's a bit ridiculous that they want a moratorium on pot dispensaries in a country supposedly based on capitalism. Basically they are trying to give the current dispensaries a monopoly on being able to do business. Which in turn screws the customers as more competition helps lower prices and weeds out those who are too greedy.

You have to ask yourself though, if this is allowed to happen, what's next? No new fast food/regular restaurants? No new dry cleaners? No new liquor stores? No new pharmacies? Sorry, your American dream of starting your own business isn't allowed here because we decided that the current businesses don't need competition! Ridiculous.

[Scottsdale Jack]

Bravo, finally some sanity on this issue. We can buy hard liquor and cigarettes on every street corner in LA, products that cause far more harm than cannabis. Law enforcement needs to spend time on serious crimes, not chasing after legal or illegal marijuana users.

[Kevin Ryder]

ABOUT TIME, i smoked so much pot before i get on the air at 1067 KROQ FM. i cant go on without lighting up a fat blunt with lisa may.

[kooo]

Check out A & E tonight - "Pot City, USA". If you're curious as to where some of the weed comes from.
Although I think most of the source of weed from "collectives" is local, if some of them source it from the street, (most likely from Mexico), legalizing and taxing the weed doesn't dent any profits for these cartels. But as most non-Mexican weed is far superior, the better known collectives probably don't get "swag" from the streets. Regulate and tax it properly, from the source to the retail level... use the tax funds to increase the LAPD, so they can go get the gang bangers, not the stone heads.

[Not Quite Sober]

Quit drinking alcohol about two months ago. Started smoking herb again. Lost fifteen lbs., blood pressure went down and cholesterol is in check. Who needs Jenny Craig? Spend tax dollars on something more significant. Please.

[Steven]

As I see it, there are 2 issues here. One is MEDICAL marijuana, the other is LEGAL NON-MEDICAL marijuana.

For MEDICAL marijuana, I think AIDS & CANCER clinics should be allowed to dispense to certifiably sick patients on site. Allowing people to walk up to a storefront MM doctor, take no tests, and get "recommendations" for relief from writer's cramp or diahherrea (both on the "list") at as many different places as they can visit is abuse, plain and simple. Plus, I'm personally bothered by the fact the I've seen very little public comment by doctors other than "medical marijuana only" doctors. Their silence is deafening.

As for LEGAL NON-MEDICAL marijuana, one issue no one seems to be mentioning in the comparisons with alcohol & tobacco is the fact that the typical marj. dispensary purchase right now is several times more expensive. I've known several alcoholics, and have seen lost families, homes, jobs, and stealing to get liquor. Adding another legal option to be easily stupified isn't something most of society is desperately clamoring for right now. Anyways, I'm sure we'll be voting on it soon enough.

I wouldn't mind seeing this solution short term. Take Oakland's Med. Marj. regulations and copy them here in L.A. Then lets watch learn.

[roy]

We should criminalize cigarettes and alcohol now, since they both cause more harm and death.

[Mr. Cynic]

The ones trying to keep marijuana illegal and "off the streets" are US politicians and drug traffickers. Hmm... I wonder why?

Let's put a moratorium on ignorance and get these people educated on marijuana.

[Charlie]

Instead of having police fight the clinics, why don't they concentrate on the people robbing them. The robbers are the real criminals.

[pam]

"High-level executives at a well-known, multi-million dollar defense suppliers" know how to spell the word "commodity."

Why do people just flat out lie so much? Where does it get you? Why is it OK to lie? What are we teaching our children??????????

[ricardo]

cops getting kill in tijuana trying to stop on a way drugs from entering the united states and because of all the presure u all as americans put on mexicos war against drugs and here u are trying to legalize marijuana aint that somenthing .................

[Steve]

The L.A. D.A Cooley is trying to act tough when no one wants him to act tough. How does it feel to see good people struggle with pain just so you can make a name for yourself you Jerk Cooley. You'll see this will actually work against you. Most people are in support of the dispensaries. There is no reason pot should be illegal.

[Gaucho420]

That's a nice win. However, the bottom line is until its fully legal, you will have crime the same way prohibition turned alcohol over to the gangs and the Mafia.

So with all due respect to those complaining about illegal activities near dispensaries, the real problem is your federal government has made it illegal and therefore, law abiding citizens who would get into this business cannot, as its a grey area. So the shady types rule the world.

Fully legalize it and suddenly, the need for criminals is gone and much like Budweiser replaced Al Capone, the same thing would happen with MJ.

The lessons already taught via prohibition, its just too bad everyone didn't learn it the first time.

[RabidinL.A.]

LOL @ Sober:

Your post sounds like fabricated rethugican propaganda, reminiscent of "Reefer Madness..."

I applaud all other posts and would only like to add that yes, in cases where drug cartels and/or gangs are controlling the dispensaries, these should be "weeded" out as they bring their senseless violence wherever they are. It would be real nice to see those dirt bags put out of business. But only those dispensaries. Let the rest flourish!

[Ricardo]

bud legalization all the way.

[R.Parrish]

THANK GOD.... As for getting and staying sober. Thats great, however it is your issue and not one that society should be governed by.
If the smoke is bothering you close your window, you don't call the police you tool.
If you are sober for yourself and not the government then this should not affect you what so ever.
Spot blaming... thats not what the "PROGRAM" is all about.
BTW... BW loved his LSD twenty years into his sobriety still searching for answers. Do your research it is available from AA world Services.
Keep coming back!

[R.Parrish]

THANK GOD.... As for getting and staying sober. Thats great, however it is your issue and not one that society should be governed by.
If the smoke is bothering you close your window, you don't call the police you tool.
If you are sober for yourself and not the government then this should not affect you what so ever.
Spot blaming... thats not what the "PROGRAM" is all about.
BTW... BW loved his LSD twenty years into his sobriety still searching for answers. Do your research it is available from AA world Services.
Keep coming back!

[BlackDog]

Posted by "sober"
"Marijuana was the first drug I ever took. After that I became an addict and alcoholic for more than a decade. Marijuana was always part of my regimen of substances to get intoxicated and escape the realities of the world."
"the smoke from the Marijuana came into my home. I was sick for two days, with feelings nausea, itching eyes and headache."
Bullshit!! You smoked for more than a decade now second hand smoke makes you ill. You lie!!!

[mikey]

Law-abiding citizens to city government: leave us alone.

[CD]

What a Jerk Judge. He is clueless to the blight this law has caused.

[mewo nix]

I am so sick of this. These dispensaries ARE b.s., and I want them GONE!! What's more is that I'm tire or people calling it MEDICAL, MEDICINAL, or calling pot smokers SICK PEOPLE!!

It's every SHADE of wrong, and dishonest. I SMOKE WEED EVERY DAY AND EVERY NIGHT!!

It's not medical and I am not sick. I smoke it because I LIKE it, and I am man enough to say to anyone from city council to the President of the United States, that it's MY business and not yours. I'm not going to HIDE behind some medical marijuana b.s.

To me the medical marijuana initiative was B.S. from the giddy. More proof of the fact that most pot-smokers have a real lack of commitment. You had a fiddle around with the concept, saying to yourselves, well if we call it MEDICINAL, that's one step closer. Look, if you had any GUTS, you would have stood up for yourselves a LONG time ago and DEMANDED full legalization, everything or nothing from the start. Now you just make yourselves look like you're trying to get over on somebody with this crap. Now no-one's gonna respect you. You tipped your hand from the start, so regardless of what this judge says, they'll just come at you from a different angle. But either way, they're gonna GET what they want. The dispensaries WILL go bye-bye whether you like it or not. Otherwise, it never would have been brought back up. The dispensaries would already have license to be like cafes similar to Amsterdam by now. I don't care WHAT the Obama administration just told you, they're STILL going after them, and giving b.s. excuses for doing so. They will FIND a way to criminalize them again. You CANNOT TRUST either the sate or federal government.

[CD]

Hey Tommy come to my neighborhood where it has. Try having people who have no business buying medical marijuana stopping in front of your house and lighting up. Not just one person in the car, but three. Then driving through my neighborhood where there are young kids playing (including mine).

My neighborhood is middle class. So if it can happen in mine it can happen to yours. You go on and support this terrible law and then see what it does to your neighborhood.

This law is a blight on this city and this state.

[maxcohen]

take that map at the begining that shows the medicinal stores then super impose it over one with liquor stores and pharmacies.

[Loonesta]

Great news & all that, but on the other hand - the map accompanying this post looks very crowded.

[Mrs S.]

I do not use marijuana (I tried it once but hated the taste and how it made me feel), but I do feel that if it is legalized (which it surely will be someday), it should be treated like alcohol. Don't sell it to anyone under 21 years of age, ID everyone (yes, everyone!) who wants to buy it, tax the heck out of it, and don't let people drive or operate machinery while under its influence, but with the difference that only a certain amount can be purchased in a set amount of time. Just to buy Sudafed I have to give all my info and sign an agreement that I won't purchase a certain amount within a certain amount of time, so why should this be any different? I just have to question how tight these dispensaries are with regards to their sales. I know that kids have always gotten older friends (or even strangers!) to furnish illegal substances to them, but I can't help but think these dispensaries are going to make it easier. If some 18-year-old high school senior has a recommendation for medical marijuana, it will be SO easy for him/her to use it as a means of supplying his/her friends with pot. As I've said, I don't necessarily think marijuana should be illegal; I do, however, think ALL mind-altering substances should be kept as far away from minors as possible.

[Mrs S.]

I do not use marijuana (I tried it once but hated the taste and how it made me feel), but I do feel that if it is legalized (which it surely will be someday), it should be treated like alcohol. Don't sell it to anyone under 21 years of age, ID everyone (yes, everyone!) who wants to buy it, tax the heck out of it, and don't let people drive or operate machinery while under its influence, but with the difference that only a certain amount can be purchased in a set amount of time. Just to buy Sudafed I have to give all my info and sign an agreement that I won't purchase a certain amount within a certain amount of time, so why should this be any different? I just have to question how tight these dispensaries are with regards to their sales. I know that kids have always gotten older friends (or even strangers!) to furnish illegal substances to them, but I can't help but think these dispensaries are going to make it easier. If some 18-year-old high school senior has a recommendation for medical marijuana, it will be SO easy for him/her to use it as a means of supplying his/her friends with pot. As I've said, I don't necessarily think marijuana should be illegal; I do, however, think ALL mind-altering substances should be kept as far away from minors as possible.

[Al]

First of all, the idea that pot dispensaries are a source of crime is unsubstantiated. Any facility that deals with a lot of cash is susceptible to being robbed. You think bars and liquor stores have never been robbed? Pawn shops—an all cash businesses—exist on fraud and illegal activity and no one complains. Concerned parents who think that local dispensaries bring crime to their towns are naive. Removing dispensaries would neither stop their kids from smoking pot if they wish, nor get rid of the people who deal it.

City politicians paint this lovely picture of heroics to justify their actions; that too many dispensaries are popping up, causing crime, zoning law issues, and other disingenuous statements like “public safety—something that, at best, is the last thing on their list of concerns. The true reason why city officials are trying to do this is very simple. Los Angeles is practically bankrupt, because of the greed and mismanagement of city officials. As a result they have set their cross hairs on any and every private sector business that can bring them money. A dragnet on dispensaries would result in tons of fines and penalties for the owners—a cash cow for our bleeding city.

In the end, it’s not about law, public safety or any other such drivel. It’s about money. It always is. History will tell you this. You think prohibition was because of public safety? It was an ATM for the government as much—if not more so—as it was for the mob.

The City of Los Angles wants to be the biggest mobster on the block. Their rivals are the hard working business owners who make this city what it is. Time to remind local government that they work for the people, not the other way around.

[Blue Haze]

Cool! Time to Toke up!

[Al]

First of all, the idea that pot dispensaries are a source of crime is unsubstantiated. Any facility that deals with a lot of cash is susceptible to being robbed. You think bars and liquor stores have never been robbed? Pawn shops—an all cash businesses—exist on fraud and illegal activity and no one complains. Concerned parents who think that local dispensaries bring crime to their towns are naive. Removing dispensaries would neither stop their kids from smoking pot if they wish, nor get rid of the people who deal it.

City politicians paint this lovely picture of heroics to justify their actions; that too many dispensaries are popping up, causing crime, zoning law issues, and other disingenuous statements like “public safety—something that, at best, is the last thing on their list of concerns. The true reason why city officials are trying to do this is very simple. Los Angeles is practically bankrupt, because of the greed and mismanagement of city officials. As a result they have set their cross hairs on any and every private sector business that can bring them money. A dragnet on dispensaries would result in tons of fines and penalties for the owners—a cash cow for our bleeding city.

In the end, it’s not about law, public safety or any other such drivel. It’s about money. It always is. History will tell you this. You think prohibition was because of public safety? It was an ATM for the government as much—if not more so—as it was for the mob.

The City of Los Angles wants to be the biggest mobster on the block. Their rivals are the hard working business owners who make this city what it is. Time to remind local government that they work for the people, not the other way around.

[E]

The tides are changing, and this is a step in the right direction. At the moment we are nation of hypocrisy; picking and choosing arbitrarily which substances are good and legal, and which are bad and outlawed. Marijuana and it's users suffer outlaw status and persecution at the same time people are drinking and smoking themselves to death. Not only are these other, more damaging substances legal, they're mass produced and advertised while we spend billions every year locking people up for using the far lesser of the evils.

But the tides are changing, the landscape is being remade. People are waking up, and I hope this is one of many future legislative decisions to reflect that.

[who cares]

Fine let the numb brains continue with their drive to kill off the last remaining neurons they have.
Hypocrisy of law or out dated mentality the result will be easy access to a drug that depresses the central nervious system, slows reaction time, deadens the senses and pretty much makes morons out of otherwise seemingly inteligent people.
Have at it boys and girls you nod out and let the rest of us take over.

all the power to you that you need to zone out

later dudes

[Juan Hernandez]

This Judge past be a pothead himself.

[Matt Lechner]

people in California, including your leading companies and your big-time judges, don't care about the law anyway, so why not have the place turn into a drunken, stoned cesspool - if that's what you want, who's to stop you ?

[Mike (Granada Hills)]

As I said in an earlier posting - we do not have to wait for the next election to get rid of Steve Cooley and Trutanich - just need to start signing petitions at the dispensaries to recall both these assholes.

[Patrick]

Smoking dope has been going on for decades. If people want to get upset about drugs - start with the alcohol related deaths.

Legalize pot, tax it and thereby regulate it. The problem in LA is not the businesses that are providing pot to those patients needing medicinal marijuana - its a few people wanting to exploit a very inexpensive way for people who need the THC to deal with various health related issues. Examine the businesses on a case by case basis.

FYI, I am sober for 22 years and I fully support legalization of the drug and tougher laws for alcohol related deaths and crime, i.e. dui, dwi, etc. and can I get an AMEN for enforcing the hands-free laws in California? These are bigger safety issues than patients who need assistance - and yes, some people will take advantage, but you don't punish those in need of relief as a defense for the ineffective enforcement at tax payers expense.

For those living in Los Angeles, don't you find it blessedly curious that our homicide rates have dropped significantly as medicinal pot has come into use?
I don't think that is only a coincidence.

The other person who complained about smoke drifting into his/her apartment - stop whining and shut your door. Noise abatement codes are enforceable. And you have to remember that just because the drugs were a problem for you doesn't give you the right to dictate how others should live. Please don't confuse your sobriety with neighborly inconsideration and government regulation.

Thanks for reading my post and being engaged enough to write something worth reading in this forum.

[Mark]

Legalize marijuana, prostitution, and same-sex marriage. Let freedom ring!

[william russo]

Thank God for this judge actually making the city follow the law. I am sick of these people playing games with the lives of people that benefit from medical marijuana. If you have a question talk to me. I have suffered from anxiety for years. Sometimes it was so bad I couldn't leave my home. Now, since I have been using medical marijuana, life is much better and I am enjoying life and new situations rather than living like a hermit. I don't think anyone in government should tell me I have no right to feel better. Shame on the LA council for their horrible threats and intimidation.

[Michael J. Love]

Consider that according to the DEA and other federal agencies: Marijuana is the largest cash crop in the United States, more valuable than corn and wheat combined. Using conservative price estimates (Marijuana Production in the United States (2006), Jon Gettman, Ph.D., published in The Bulletin of Cannabis Reform, December 2006), that based on federal studies domestic marijuana production has a value of $35.8 billion. The domestic marijuana crop consists of 56.4 million marijuana plants cultivated outdoors worth $31.7 billion and 11.7 million plants cultivated indoors worth $4.1 billion. The top ten marijuana producing states are California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii, Washington, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama., West Virginia, and Oregon. Five states (California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Hawaii and Washington) had marijuana crops worth over $1 billion.).

Now, despite the arrest of 874,000 people last year for possession of marijuana (FBI provides that fact), we have at least (again according to the DEA) 10% of adults in this country who consume cannabis. Of course that usage rate is dramatically less than what simple math would show given that 22million pounds are domestically produced and The 2002 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR), issued by the US Department of State on March 1, 2003, stated: “Marijuana production and … more than 5,000 metric tons of marijuana is cultivated and harvested in Mexico and Canada and marketed to more than 20 million users in the United States. Smaller quantities of marijuana are also produced in Colombia, Jamaica, Paraguay and other countries.” So cannabis is illegal but obviously the prohibition is ineffective and for good reason.

[Michael J. Love]

The reality of the schedule 1 classification for cannabis (marijuana purportedly has no medical use according to the schedule 1 classification. But see, in September 1988, after two years of hearings, DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge Francis L. Young, Jr. recommended to DEA Administrator John Lawn that marijuana be reclassified into Schedule 2 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), to permit its use by physicians in the treatment of life- and sense-threatening diseases. Marijuana in its natural form remains, with heroin, in Schedule 1.

The primary legal issue is whether the medical use of marijuana is "currently accepted" under the provisions of the Controlled Substances Act of 1970. The primary social issue is the purported concern that sanctioning the medical use of marijuana will have a deleterious effect on drug abuse prevention. The primary political issue concerns the possibility that rescheduling will be perceived as a retreat in the 'war on drugs'. Policy questions concern the proper relationship between governmental controls and the practice of medicine. The decision reached in this case will reflect on how the US government balances the legitimate medical needs of patients suffering from grave physical disorders against policies designed to control drug abuse.)

Of course, the contention that cannabis or marijuana i a schedule 1 drug is little more than a charade, given that a little-known federal government program supplies medical marijuana to a handful of patients will mark its 32nd anniversary on May 10, 2010.

The federal medical marijuana program -- referred to as a Compassionate Investigational New Drug (IND) program -- resulted from a lawsuit filed by glaucoma patient Robert Randall, who successfully showed that his use of marijuana was a medical necessity.

The program slowly grew for over a dozen years. In the wake of a flood of new applications from patients battling AIDS -- who found that marijuana boosted their appetites and relieved the nausea often caused by anti-HIV drugs -- the George H.W. Bush administration closed it to new applicants in March 1992, but continued supplying federal marijuana (in the form of government rolled marijuana cigarettes) to those already receiving it.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) stated the following in a Jan. 1998 report titled "Provision of Marijuana and Other Compounds for Scientific Research - Recommendations of the National Institute on Drug Abuse National Advisory Council," (which is )available on the NIDA website:

"The National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA) administers a contract with the University of Mississippi to grow cannabis for research purposes and is the only legal (federal) source for cannabis [marijuana] in the United States.

NIDA also supplies cannabis to seven patients under single patient so-called 'compassionate use' Investigational New Drug Applications (IND). In 1978, as part of a lawsuit settlement by the Department of Health and Human Services, NIDA began supplying cannabis to patients whose physicians applied for and received such an USID from the FDA. In 1992 the Secretary [of Health and Human Services] terminated this practice, but decided that NIDA should continue to supply those patients who were receiving cannabis at the time.

NIDA has overseen the farm since the institute's inception in 1974. NIDA's predecessor, National Institutes of Mental Health, founded a drug supply program in 1968 to provide researchers with the compounds necessary to conduct biomedical research and cannabis was among the first substances to be made available. They 'provide a contamination-free source of cannabis material with consistent and predictable potency' (as per NIDA, 1-98) for biomedical research.

The University of Mississippi has the option to grow either 1.5 or 6.5 acres of cannabis per year or to not grow any, depending on demand.

Generally (as of January 1998) 1.5 acres are grown in alternate years which can typically produce 50,000-60,000 cigarettes per year of three grades of potencies [strength 1: 3-4% THC; strength 2: 1.8-2.2% THC; strength 3: placebo, as close to 0% THC as possible]. Virtually all of the nearly 65,000 cigarettes produced between 1994-1996 were for single patients.

As of March 1997 there were 278,100 cigarettes in stock which are maintained in frozen storage for up to five years."

[Armando]

I am a restaurant worker. It's hard work and my feet and back hurt after a long day for little pay. Tips are down in the recession and my family needs my support more than ever. Recently a medical marijuana shop opened near to my restaurant and the owners have become regulars. They are nice people and take the time to talk to us like we are people, not servers. I told him about my pain and he told me a marijuana cigarette would help, so he gave me one to try, after work. I went home, my family was asleep, so I tried it, and I felt better. I went to the shop the next day and he told me I need a paper to be able to get more of the cigarettes and that a doctor writes this paper for $25. So now I have the paper and I can buy the cigarettes. It is helping me to sleep as well. Why does the police stop this? Today the shop said we must write to city council and tell out stories, and also the newspapers. We are not criminals, just people who need medicine of the cigarettes. Please let me buy my medicine safely from the shop.

[Richard Steeb]

Hey Cooley: Put THAT in your pipe and smoke it!

:D

[Mr. OG]

The good marijuana (various Kushs, Sour Diesel, ect) is grown indoors and is very scientific. The cartels grow terrible marijuana of too low of a quality to be sold at a dispensary. As a connoisseur, it can be argued that best marijuana is grown in the state of California. Currently in the city of Los Angeles, every dispensary that is open is a business paying rent and collecting sales tax the otherwise would not have been paid/raised. If we close the dispensaries, pot will go back underground while the city/county/state gets nothing, except more criminals. People will always get high.

[Mr. OG]

The good marijuana (various Kushs, Sour Diesel, ect) is grown indoors and is very scientific. The cartels grow terrible marijuana of too low of a quality to be sold at a dispensary. As a connoisseur, it can be argued that best marijuana is grown in the state of California. Currently in the city of Los Angeles, every dispensary that is open is a business paying rent and collecting sales tax the otherwise would not have been paid/raised. If we close the dispensaries, pot will go back underground while the city/county/state gets nothing, except more criminals. People will always get high.

[Pamela Jeanne]

Feather in District attorney's hat?Or paid by mexican cartel?

There are so many problems in this great state of ours and one of them is not marijuana. I have appreciated marijuana since I first smoked it in junior high. Some may think that's a little young. Maybe it is but at least I've never had a DUI or any other drug problems. I had to stop for a while during my years in the military but managed to sneak in a few puff's here and there. Some good friend's of mine who were also in the military got caught smoking and were thrown out but not the ones who rolled there cars while drunk and not the ones who smoked heroin or did cocaine. Just those horrible pot smokers. Who lost out on this horrible policy? First the military because we lost some really good soldiers. Then of course the soldier who was out of a job. Who suffered the most? The taxpayer. It costs quite a bit to train a soldier. Who gains? The company who creates these tests. I wonder what they charge the military for these test kits.

Alcohol and cigarettes kill so many people directly and indirectly and yet I sit in public places and have to endure the nasty smell of cigarettes and watch people who are drunk drive away.
I used to be addicted to cigarettes hardest thing I ever did was quit on my little cancer buddies.

Marijuana is an amazing plant and it really is medicinal. It has so many applications ,it can be used as a poultice it's excellent for nausea, migraines, epilepsy, arthritis, cramps and it really helps prevent my PMS wrecking ball. I could go on and on. But besides all that it is the safest and least addictive recreational drug we have but because it was vilified by William Hurst and then later criminalized by Nixon(a criminal himself)to get back at the hippies who were opposing the war. We have to sit back and endure policies that hurt our country and line the pockets of the real criminals whom continue to make laws and break them. People who smoke marijuana and drink alcohol usually drink less and like to wait before driving because they are to paranoid. It also smells so much better than cigarettes and does not leave a nasty smelly residue in buildings or on clothes and hair. Marijuana is excellent for business" especially when dispensary's are close to restaurants or coffee shops. Business's like foot traffic and realtors like to be able to rent their property. Medical marijuana dispensary's are doing what many politicians can't. They are creating jobs and money for our state and putting a dent in mexican marijuana cartels business. Who is the real criminal here? The person who try's to start a legal business and help people with cancer or other medical problems or yes helping people smoke their drug of choice. Or is it the District Attorney who is going against the people he should be protecting. I like police officers and really appreciate the important job they do. They should not be used as pawns to further peoples careers or to line the pockets of bureaucrats. I look forward to the day when cops can smoke a joint to relax instead of drinking.

Ok yes of course there are some dispensary owners who operate on the dark side and if Law enforcement have reasonable cause have at it. But besides the bad guys there are many more good people that own these businesses. They are daughters,mothers,fathers and brothers. When these people have to deal with someone shutting there business down it ruins there lives and takes jobs and money from our communities. My advice to District Attorney Steve Cooley, is to stop trying to bully and regulate a business that you do not understand and are prejudiced against. Good old fashioned competition will take care of all the tacky bad dispensary's. That's called Capitalism and until the larger corporations get involved it usually works. Stop impeding progress and understand that we the people like Marijuana, we are active voters and we will vote again. And there are many of us.

Sincerely,
P.J..W

[RECALL]

People should not get too excited. There will no changes in the L.A. as long as we have current City Attorney, district attorney, and few L.A.Council members who are out to make a name for themselves and have "criminal" mentality stereotypes of people. Get ready for insanity and establishment of rushed and restricted new ordinances.

I think it is time for medical marijuana community and billboard interests groups to join forces and start recall petition. Can you imagine the possibilities if both ran a coordinated effort to get these electeds who are wasting our taxpaying dollars by not focusing on real crime prosecution???

[Bill Simpson in Slidell]

WHAT THE ... RUN! RUN! RUN! No wonder you left coasters are so worried about the CO2 that plants love. The map looks like 'The Day of the Triffids' has finally arrived over there. They say that everything starts on the West Coast and spreads eastward. Google Earth is going to have to do an immediate update flyover. Got Roundup?
Satisfied Times' graphics department show-offs? Have you all been doing site visits for these pot stories again?
Seriously, don't turn off the seismographs. Everyone might miss the next big quake.

[Jude]

"Los Angeles City Atty. Carmen Trutanich argue that the stores, which now number in the hundreds, are selling marijuana for profit in violation of state law. "

Now that is really F#%*#ING funny to me. Selling drugs for a profit!!!! OH NO!!! I work for a large pharmecutical company in Los Angeles. I guess they should arrest our Regional Sales Manager too. His Bonus checks are huge!
He is such a wiener manager too. So I guess if your drugs come from the FREE SOIL...( Free!!!remember that word)and you make a profit it is illegal. But if you buy your drugs made at our plant in Semi Valley it is legal. I believe we make quite a bit more than the marijuana people.I tell you, my Regonal Sales Managers Bonus would amaze you. If you wanna arrest him his name is Dan Henderson.He makes a huge profit from selling drugs. You see these small time marijuana stores only reach some of the public. My company has ALL OF YOU! We do not discriminate. We make profits on all of you! All ages. From your kids ADD meds to your Zolft....and if you have trouble sleeping we have that covered too.

[Eric of Reseda]

Did you hear that, L.A. City Government? We want regulated dispensaries. Do NOT waste our tax money on prosecution. Look, if marijuana was good enough for our forefathers, who enacted MANDATORY laws to GROW hemp for any number of uses, including smoking, then it's good enough for us today in California. Tobacco kills 500,000 people annually. Pot, zero, per the CDC. Let's end the "Reefer Madness" madness, and legalize and regulate this very useful plant.