Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors approved a ban on Medical Marijuana dispensaries in the unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.

“While this Board originally tried to be fair and adopt a very strict medical marijuana dispensary ordinance, we have unfortunately seen an increased number of illegal operations,” said Supervisor Don Knabe.  “This is not what voters thought they were voting for, nor the Board’s intentions when we originally modified our zoning in 2006.  There have been too many incidents of dispensaries being unlawfully opened adjacent to schools and libraries and other locations frequented by children. Many communities are rightfully concerned about the abuses of the system and the resulting increases in crime.  While many people have legitimate health concerns, we should be thoughtful and cautious about the way we handle marijuana and it should be dispensed from a pharmacy, rather than from store-front operations.”

The ban was passed with a 4-1 vote and is scheduled to be formally adopted on December 7th.  If adopted, the ordinance would go into effect 30 days later.