Ordinance Banning Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in LA On Hold

Implementation of the Los Angeles City Council’s ordinance banning medical marijuana dispensaries has been delayed as dispensary operators have filed lawsuits and, along with activists, have taken on efforts to repeal the ordinance. The ordinance was intended to address issues related to the high number of dispensaries located in Los Angeles, CA, according to City Councilman Jose Huizar. The ordinance was passed by the City Council in July 2012. Activists and dispensary operators have coordinated a campaign calling for a ballot measure to repeal the ban, reports NPR. Tens of thousands of signatures in support of the ballot measure were collected, and are being verified by the city clerk. If verified, residents will vote on the measure in March 2013 and in the meantime, implementation of the ordinance is on hold.