Watch CBS News

LA City Clerk Approves Medical Marijuana Petition

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles City Clerk has approved a petition that aims to get a question on next May's ballot asking voters to limit medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.

City Clerk spokeswoman Kimberly Briggs said in a statement Monday that the initiative organizers will need to gather petition 41,138 valid signatures by Dec. 7 to get the issue on May's general election ballot.

The proposed initiative would bar new medical marijuana dispensaries, but allow those collectives that registered with the city as of Sept. 14, 2007 and meet other criteria, to continue operating.

The ordinance would also establish operating standards, including mandatory annual police background checks and distances from schools, parks and other designated places.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.