City Attorney Statement on Passage of Prop D - Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

MEDICAL MARIJUANA: City Attorney Carmen Trutanich Issues Statement on Passage of Proposition D


On May 21, City of Los Angeles voters passed a ballot proposition to regulate and tax the number of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city.  City Attorney Carmen Trutanich issued the following statement on the passage of Proposition D:

"I’m gratified that the voters understood the important differences between yesterday's three marijuana ballot measures. They have spoken by enacting the only ordinance that provides both patient access to medical marijuana and responsible protections for neighborhoods. The voters have spoken, the courts have spoken, and we are not breaking new ground.

"We will begin the process of making all dispensaries in the city and owners of those properties, aware of the law.  We expect a high level of voluntary compliance and we will take steps to ensure that all dispensaries follow the law.  In the coming months, we nonetheless anticipate litigation -- both to close illegal shops and to defend the city’s new law."

Proposition D will limit the number of medical marijuana dispensaries operating within city limits to approximately 135 dispensaries.  It was written by the City Attorney’s Office and placed on the ballot by the City Council.  Under the law, dispensaries in business prior to 2007 that were registered with the city and have not ceased operations will be allowed to remain open.  In addition, these shops must be located at least 600 feet from any school, park or child care facility and pay a tax equivalent to six percent of their gross receipts.