L.A. COUNTY CONSIDERS MARIJUANA ZONING LAWS

Medical marijuana dispensaries in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles
County could face regulations for the first time under a proposal submitted
by Supervisor Don Knabe.

The Board of Supervisors will vote Tuesday on creating zoning regulations
on marijuana dispensaries to ensure they do not have negative impacts on
surrounding neighborhoods, Knabe said in a statement.

"It is imperative that these facilities not be located near homes or
schools and that neighbors be notified of the intent to open such
facilities," he said.

The action comes as two medical marijuana advocates seek to open a
dispensary in the unincorporated community of Hacienda Heights.

A state law passed in 1996 protects patients who grow and use marijuana for
medical purposes, but federal law prohibits the drug. In recent years,
several California cities, including Ontario, have banned, passed
moratoriums on, or enacted regulations on dispensaries.