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Pot Dispensaries Sue Los Angeles Over Proposed Lottery

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Nearly two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries are suing Los Angeles over a planned lottery to determine which clinics remain in business.

The Los Angeles Times says 21 dispensaries sued last week to halt the lottery, a cornerstone in the city's efforts to stem the proliferation of dispensaries.

The lottery would randomly select 100 dispensaries to remain in business. The lawsuit calls the system arbitrary and unfair.

Dispensary owner Yamileth Bolanos says she could lose her business even though she followed all city directives.

Another suit challenging the lottery was filed in March by a dispensary that's been barred from participating. The lottery is only open to stores that were open in 2007.

Jane Usher, a special assistant city attorney, says the city disputes the claims in the lawsuits.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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