Hundreds of Dispensaries Will Close in Los Angeles, California

As if the economic crises isn’t bad enough, the Los Angeles City Council decided to damage it some more. In LA, there are approximately 186 registered medical marijuana dispensaries. But the City Council decided to put their foot down (after four and a half years of debate) and limit the number to 70.

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.

Support the Taxation, Regularization, and Legalization of Marijuana in California!

On Tuesday, the California State Assembly voted 4-3 in favor of the AB 390 bill to legalize the sale, purchase, and possession of marijuana for recreational use. The bill was given thumbs up by the California Public Safety Committee and will now be passed to the Health and Safety Committee for their review. Under the new legislation, marijuana use for recreation will be treated in the same manner as alcohol. Purchase, possession, and use would be restricted to those over the age of twenty one and driving under the influence of the psychoactive plant will be illegal – those in violation will face harsh punishment.

There are viable arguments for both sides of the debate as to whether marijuana should be legal. Those who are against it often claim that if marijuana was legalized, underage use will increase as well as the use of harder drugs if marijuana is a gateway drug. Those who are in favor of the bill claim that it will fix, or at least help fix, California’s budget problem through taxation and through the money that would be saved on incarceration of marijuana use by consenting adults. Additionally, this bill will keep harmless and non-violent potheads from clogging up the already crowded judicial system.

The bill requires a $50 excise tax paid for by the marijuana growers as well as applicable sales tax paid for by the consumer. Currently, marijuana is estimated to be a $14 billion per year industry in the state – more than double the combination of all other agriculture in California. Marijuana taxation could potentially put a huge dent in the California deficit and quite possible keep the state from filing for bankruptcy.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, but this is a measure that should have been accounted for long before the current fiscal fiasco. Prohibition of marijuana was drafted as a way to control the public and protect the paper industry, and not as a measure to do what is best for the people of the country. Studies conclude that there are minimal health risks for those who smoke pot and there is no connection between crime and marijuana use. The bottom line is that the state of California is on the right track and we can only hope that the rest of the country will follow suit.

Unfortunately, until this bill passes, or the November ballot’s bill The Tax, Regulate, and Control Cannabis Act of 2010, marijuana remains illegal for those in California who have not gotten a doctor’s permission under Proposition 215. Employers and others can can still drug test their employees in California, as well as in other states throughout the country. Learn how to protect yourself by reading up on How to Pass a Drug Test.

California State Assembly Votes to Legalize Marijuana with AB 390

California State Assembly Votes to Legalize Marijuana with AB 390

Today is an absolutely historic day for the taxation, regularization, and legalization of marijuana! California State Assembly’s Public Safety Committee voted in favor of the A.B. 390  Bill by a vote of 4-3! This bill would set up the very first legislation to fully regulate and tax marijuana in the state of California.

A.B. 390 would charge growers and producers of marijuana $50 per ounce, and it would charge sales tax for all sales of marijuana. Marijuana would only be permitted for those 21 years of age and older, and will be handled similar to alcohol. This bill would allow consenting adults to possess marijuana for personal use, or obtain a permit or license to grow or sell marijuana to approved or permitted companies and retail locations, or directly to the public.

It is conservatively estimated that this bill would bring the state over $1 billion in revenue – a move that would substantially help the state meet its current financial troubles head on! In addition, it would help combat and possibly stop drug trafficking of marijuana from Mexico into the United States by making it cheaper and safer to purchase from legal companies and growers instead of from drug traffickers or gang affiliates.

This bill would also allow the state to stop spending so much in resources on policing recreational marijuana users, and allow police enforcement to focus on other issues of greater importance.

According to a Zogby survey in February 2009, there are an estimated 500,000-600,000 daily users of marijuana in California alone.

Guidelines for this bill would prohibit growing marijuana in public view or near elementary and secondary schools and it would continue to be illegal to be under the influence of marijuana while driving. In addition, it would be criminal to sell or give marijuana to anyone under the age of 21.

Another similar bill is currently waiting approval to be placed on the public ballot this November!  Read up about the The Tax, Regulate, and Control Cannabis Act of 2010 right here on OurWeed.com. This bill would also tax the growers $50 and decriminalize marijuana. However, it would also expunge non-violent marijuana criminal records and would require that revenue from the taxation would be directed at public education, public works, health care, environmental programs, and state parks – all very important and key areas that are struggling under staggering budget cuts.

Read more about The Tax, Regulate, and Control Cannabis Act of 2010 and make sure you register to vote so that you can voice your opinion on this important act!

Ventura Medical Marijuana Dr Barry M. Cogen, D.O.

Dr Barry M. Cogen, D.O.

2772 Johnson Drive, Suite 114 Ventura
CA USA
93003
805-340-1470

Marina Del Rey Medical Marijuana Dr Allan Frankel

Marina Del Rey Medical Marijuana Dr Allan Frankel

3007 Washington Blvd. Suite 110 Marina Del Rey
CA US
90292
310-821-9600
Hours: Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri & Sat: 10AM – 6PM

420 MediCard Beverly Hills

420 MediCard Beverly Hills

317 S. Robertson Suite F Beverly Hills
CA USA
90211
323-540-3420
Hours: M,W,F 4:00-6:00

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Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Center

1761 Third St. Suite 104 Norco
CA US
92860
800-268-4420
Website: Website

Make a wise choice and visit the Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Center. In one day, you’ll receive the help you need and everything to get it. Call us to setup and appointment or fill out the form from our homepage 1-800-268-4420.

Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Centers

Marijuana Medicine Evaluation Centers

556 West Grand Ave Oakland
California US
984612
800-268-4420
Website: Website
Toll Free: 1-800-268-4420
Services: Medical Marijuana Recommendations, Renewals, and 24 Hour Phone / Internet Verification

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