LAGUNA HILLS INTRODUCES MEDICAL MARIJUANA BAN

The Proposed Law Would Ban All Uses That Are Inconsistent With State
and Federal Law.

LAGUNA HILLS - The city of Laguna Hills is moving to make permanent a
ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

The City Council on Tuesday on a 5-0 vote approved introduction of
the ordinance. A previously adopted interim urgency ordinance that
banned medical marijuana dispensaries will expire Oct. 24, said City
Attorney Gregory Simonian.

No further extension of the interim urgency ordinance is allowed by state law.

California voters have approved the use of medical marijuana, but
possession is still prohibited under federal law.

With the legal uncertainties and concerns that medical marijuana
dispensaries might lead to loitering or crime, city staff has
recommended that the council adopt the proposed ordinance. It
prohibits any land use that would be illegal under state or federal law.

Simonian said the city's stance on marijuana dispensaries is no
different than what other cities like Orange are doing. They, too,
ban uses that are inconsistent with either state or federal law.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the next regular
City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at City Hall, 24035 El Toro Road.