Vote To Close Marijuana Shops Postponed Amid Proposed Deal
LOS ANGELES (CBS) — A City Council vote on a proposed ban on medical marijuana dispensaries faced possible postponement due to the absence of several key council members.
KNX 1070's John Brooks reports the delay comes amid talk of a potential agreement to keep at least some nonprofit, non-cash collectives open.
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The vote could be postponed by one week or more after lawmakers are not expecting enough votes to pass the proposed ban or a counter proposal that would let about 100 dispensaries stay open until the state Supreme Court decides whether cities can regulate them.
Under pressure from the council, City Councilman Jose Huizar amended his proposal to conform with California law.
"Right now, I think it's within the state law that permits municipalities to have an ordinance which will allow for collectives to exist," said Councilman Jose Huizar.
But Councilman Mitch Englander disagrees and is calling for hundreds of pot-selling storefronts to be shuttered.
"We call it the 'gentle ban' because it closes the storefronts, the illegal pot shops that are selling these for cash and taking advantage of not only the patients that need it, but the community at large," he said.
