SUPERVISORS WANT TO BAN POT DISPENSARIES IN UNINCORPORATED AREAS

Concerned that Los Angeles' recent crackdown on medical marijuana
clinics is pushing them into other communities, Los Angeles County
supervisors took steps Tuesday to ban dispensaries from unincorporated
areas.

The board is seeking to amend a 2006 ordinance that prohibits
dispensaries within 1,000 feet of churches, day-care centers,
libraries, playgrounds and schools.

Supervisor Mike Antonovich proposed the moratorium, arguing that
unincorporated communities next to cities with bans will become the
"locale of choice" for dispensary operators.

Proponents of a ban also cited shootings at dispensaries in Echo Park
and Hollywood on June 24 that left two operators dead.

"We saw in recent days killings that took place at these
dispensaries," Antonovich said. "We've seen the type of violence and
crime that has occurred and to turn our backs on these residents would
be irresponsible."

Assistant District Attorney Jacquelyn Lacey said the facilities "turn
over a tremendous amount of cash" and have attracted the attention of
armed robbers.

"Where there are armed robbers there will be loss of life," Lacey
said.

But dispensary proponents said well-regulated dispensaries don't
attract crime.

"The vast majority of California residents support medical marijuana
and, when you look at the statistics, there is no relation between
violence and medical marijuana dispensaries," said Daniel Sosa, a Los
Angeles dispensary owner.

Questions also arose as to the constitutionality of a ban on medical
marijuana clinics, which were legalized with the 1996 passage of
Proposition 215.

However, if a ban is overturned, a provision introduced by Supervisor
Mark Ridley-Thomas would allow the current ordinance to remain in effect.