L.A. CITY COUNCIL SETS CITY FEES FOR MARIJUANA CLINICS

The Los Angeles City Council on Friday gave preliminary approval to
a fee schedule for medical marijuana dispensaries, the final measure
needed to be addressed before the city's medical marijuana ordinance
can be enforced.

Under the action, approved on a 9-1 vote, the council adopted a fee
schedule for clinic operators to pay in order to be able to remain
open. The move, which needs a final vote next week, was protested by
dispensary advocates.

The measure returns for a final vote next week.

"You could make a few simple changes to make this a model
ordinance," said Don Duncan of Americans for Safe Access. "Instead
of having one of the worst laws on the books, you could have one of the best."

The city measure has strict limits on where the clinics - now
believed to number up to 600 - can locate, banning them from
operating with 1,000 feet of schools, parks and residential areas.

The fee structure put in place, and taking effect in 30 days, calls
for payments nearing $1,600 in order to be able to operate.

Fees called for in the measure include $151 for a police background
check, $324 for the City Clerk's office, $688 for Department of
Building and Safety permits and another $500 for miscellaneous fees.

Councilman Jose Huizar said city officials were told the fee schedule is fair.

"Once this fee ordinance goes into effect, we can enforce the laws
fairly and equitably," Huizar said.

Councilman Bill Rosendahl continued to oppose the efforts
to regulate the clinics.

"I think this is wrong," Rosendahl said. "We should forget about
this and get on with our lives. If we go through with this, there
will be nothing left in Venice or in areas where people need these.

"This is totally insane. We should tax this and bring in a revenue
stream. This doesn't solve anything."

Adoption of the ordinance will trigger a new effort to close down
non-qualifying dispensaries. Letters will be sent out to such
operators, who will be asked to close down.

Qualifying clinics, including the 147 that are already registered
with the city - will then be able to seek operating permits. The
city will have six months to process the applications.

Critics questioned if the city will have the staff to deal with the
expected number of applications.

City Attorney Carmen Trutanich already has begun an effort to close
down many of the dispensaries.

Superior Court Judge James Chalfant issued a preliminary injunction
earlier this week against a Venice collective that officials hope to
use in closing hundreds of others.

The injunction against Organica Inc., was seen as a test case by the city.

Medical marijuana advocates have sought changes to loosen the rules
on where the clinics can operate.

Under the new city guidelines, all but five clinics might have to
move to continue their operations.

The city is seeking to have a cap of 70 clinics, but will allow the
147 that registered under an interim control ordinance.