As of now, the city is allowing any registered dispensary from before 2007 to remain open, while closing the ones which opened in the past three years. As the number drops, no new dispensaries will be opened until the limit of 70 has been reached. A curfew has been placed on the dispensaries, forcing them to close at 8PM everyday.

The most shocking number is that since 2007, approximately 800 to 1,000 dispensaries have been opened. All of these will be closed. That means an estimate of 2,000 (at least) employees will lose their jobs (that number is only at two employees per dispensary, which is highly underrated).

With these restrictions in mind (and the idea that each facility has to grow their own supply), how in the world will medical marijuana registered users be able to legally obtain their medication? At least by having dispensaries open, the marijuana is taxed, so that the state receives funding from this legal operation. Having businesses open, running, gives the state and government money – so why must they close so many businesses? This will only hurt the economy (job loss, tax loss, business loss) and the people of the United States.

Logically, the placement of the dispensaries has been limited. They are no longer allowed within 1,000 feet of a “sensitive” area, such as a school, library, park, religious institution, youth center, rehab centers, child care facility, and other dispensaries. This is sensible.

For the ordinance to come into effect, Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa must approve it first.