City of Los Angeles votes to close marijuana businesses

To all marijuana businesses in the City of Los Angeles:

Last week, the Rules, Elections, and Intergovernmental Relations (REIG) Committee heard public comment on and voted to PASS the proposed regulatory recommendations that will close down non-retail cannabis businesses though the application process. That means businesses open today will have to close their doors for months, many workers will lose their jobs, and patients will lose access to their medicine.

The City effectively put into motion a recommendation that will mean:

– LA dispensaries will not be able to secure local products for sale. Legal licensed suppliers from outside Los Angeles may become the main beneficiaries, as local growers and manufactured goods producers looking to become regulated will not be able to continue operations during the application period.

– All other license types will have to close their doors for months.

– Workers will lose their jobs and/or face massive pay cuts.

– Patients will not have the access guaranteed by MCRSA, Prop 64 and Measure M, as a result of a bottleneck in supplies and/or shortages.

– The illicit market will thrive in LA. The threat of business interruption will act as a disincentive to some companies looking to transition into the regulated market through the application process. Patients who can’t find supplies in stores will continue to support the illicit market.

However, there seems to be an understanding that something needs to be done to fairly and responsibly regulate the local LA cannabis industry. The Rules Committee’s recommendations will be voted on by the entire Los Angeles Council. We will continue to advocate for change, and it’s imperative that you stay on the alert for updates and please, STAY INVOLVED. Sign up for alerts: https://marijuanamedia.com/enewsletter/