Multiple Marijuana Measures on Los Angeles Ballot
The Los Angeles City Council has agreed to place two marijuana-related initiatives on the ballot and has given preliminary approval to a third measure as well. According to a news report in The Huffington Post, the third initiative was created as a compromise between the other measures. The new proposal will allow the original 135 dispensaries in the Los Angeles area to remain open, as long as they are not too close to churches, schools, or residential neighborhoods. The third measure would also increase taxes on marijuana to $60 per $1,000 worth of marijuana sold.
Understanding the law regarding marijuana use and possession in Los Angeles can be extremely confusing. The laws have changed significantly over the past few years and they are subject to change again soon. Under California law, it is legal to possess marijuana for medical purposes. Under federal law, however, marijuana continues to be a controlled dangerous substance. As a reaction to federal involvement, the Los Angeles City Council reduced the number of dispensaries before abandoning that tactic and attempting to ban dispensaries altogether. The new ballot measures are meant to add some clarity.
