Los Angeles Dispensary Ban
Patient Care Alliance To Sue Los Angeles Over Dispensary Ban
It did not take long for activists to fight back against the recent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries by the City of Los Angeles. The Los Angeles City Council made a very controversial decision to ban all of its medical marijuana collectives. A decision so controversial, it may even be illegal when considering the recent ruling of California’s 2nd District of Appeals Court which said cities do not have the right to ban marijuana dispensaries.
Many analysts wondered exactly why the city when forward with the ban as many lawsuits were expected, especially as it seems activists have the upper hand legally. Marijuana.net mentioned yesterday that letters were sent to marijuana dispensaries informing them that they have until September 6th to shut down, or face a fine of $2,500 per everyday they remain open. We now have learned that the September 6th forced closure date may be in jeopardy.
According to an article in the Los Angeles Times, the trade group named “Patient Care Alliance”, which represents 300 area dispensaries has filed a lawsuit against the city of Los Angeles over the upcoming dispensary closures. Marc O’Hara who is in charge of the group called the ban “heartless”. The city of Los Angeles is also likely to have another legal headache as GLACA (The Greater Los Angeles Collectives Alliance) and ASA (Americans for Safe Access) are working on a ballot initiative to overturn the ban. They have already began to collect signatures and if they are successful residents of Los Angeles may vote to repeal the ban.
Critics of the ban are concerned that patients will no longer have access to safe medicine and may even have to turn to illegal methods of obtaining cannabis. The City Council claims that patients have not been left out in the cold because they are still allowed to grow their own cannabis and distribute it within groups of three. This proposal seems unenforceable (how exactly will law enforcement prove patients are operating within their groups?) and seems to carry the potential for organized crime to regain their stronghold on the Los Angeles marijuana market. However, growing quality and safe marijuana that is free of pesticides, mold, and other harmful agents can take years of practice, something many patients are unable to do. Additionally there is considerable cost associated with starting a grow operation from scratch. The need for safe access to medication is important, especially for a city that has had legalized medical marijuana for 16 years. Check back with us soon as well will keep an eye on any new developments pertaining to the September 6th closures.
LA Councilman Shows Marijuana Appeal Growing
The move to ban dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles devastated patients and advocates not only in the area, but across the nation. Los Angeles has become the epicenter for the medical marijuana movement with sick patients moving their so they can pursue relief. While this move stings, it is not even clear if it will stick. The move by the Los Angeles City Council directly contradict a ruling by California’s 2nd District Court of Appeals, which stated weeks ago that municipalities do not have the right to ban marijuana dispensaries.
With that being said, we would like to look farther ahead than the day to day politics of marijuana, which in a frenzied election season are sure to change daily. Last week marijuana.net posted a story that shows just how far the perception of marijuana has evolved. Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced to the L.A. Times that he has been a medical marijuana patient himself for over ten years. The councilman said he medicates with cannabis to help alleviate symptoms related to neuropathy. Last week he revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer, explaining his absence from City Hall meetings and perhaps another reason he will medicate with cannabis. Mr. Rosendahl said he would have had a tough time without medical cannabis and the neuropathy makes his feet “red hot with pain.” Many politicians have admitted to previous marijuana use but usually chalk it up misguided decisions made in their youth. Few elected officials admit to currently smoking marijuana.
President Bill Clinton famously admitted to smoking marijuana, but he carefully tiptoed the political line and said he did not inhale. Under his administration many federal raids of marijuana dispensaries were carried out. Our current president, Barack Obama, admitted to frequent marijuana use in his earlier years only to now direct his agents toward the largest crackdown in medical marijuana’s 16 years. Although Bill Rosendahl is not the president, he may represent the next phase of balancing marijuana and politics. Is it crazy to think that one day a sitting president of the United States will also hold a medical marijuana card?
That day may yet be a ways off but Bill Rosendahl is showing that America is ready for the truth. With approximately 75% of the nation supporting a doctor’s right to prescribe cannabis, the game has changed. The future looks bright and we were glad to see that people came out in support of Mr. Rosendahl. His admission lets patients know they are not on their own, and that one of their own represents them. We at marijuana.net look forward to Bill Rosendahl’s return to the Los Angeles City Council, and his continued pursuit of providing compassion and relief.
Marijuana Advocate and L.A. City Councilman Bill Rosendahl is Receiving Treatment for Cancer
Last week the Los Angeles City Council voted to ban marijuana dispensaries. As they say, “You’ll never understand a person until you walk a mile in their shoes.” Cannabis patients are judged harshly by our elected officials. Perspective often changes when a problem hits home.
Earlier in the week, Los Angeles City Councilman Bill Rosendahl announced to the Los Angeles Times that he has been a medical marijuana patient himself for over ten years. The councilman said he medicates with cannabis to help alleviate symptoms related to neuropathy. Mr. Rosendahl said the neuropathy makes his feet “red hot with pain.” Yesterday we found out that he may have another reason to continue medicating with cannabis. In a letter titled “I’m Going To Beat This,” the councilman revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer in his pelvic area. In the letter he said “My doctors feel there is abundant reason for optimism. The cancer is slow moving, has not spread to any vital organs and does not affect my digestive system.” He then went on to say “I am going to beat this cancer and return to work soon. I am going to seek, win and complete a third term.”
The popular city councilman has been a longtime supporter of legalizing marijuana nationwide. He recently told the LA Times that “it’s been clear for 20 to 30 years where I stand on this issue. I think the war on drugs is destroying this great nation.” Councilman Rosendahl was unable to to attend last week’s City Council session where marijuana dispensaries were outlawed by a vote of 14-0. The councilman who did attend apparently did not share Mr. Rosendahl’s sentiments on failed marijuana laws. Taking away dispensaries could seriously jeopardize the ability for patient’s health and may lead to increases in illegal street sales.
With his recent admission, it may force the rest of the council members to acknowledge a marijuana patient up close and personal. Before the planned dispensary ban even begins fellow council members will witness the impact of their decision firsthand. They will have to look their colleague and peer in the eye and state exactly why they are against safe access. This seems significantly more difficult than occasionally hearing patient stories at public meetings in City Hall. We at marijuana.net are hoping for Bill Rosendahl to make a speedy recovery. Patients desperately need his compassion and leadership and we eagerly await his return to the City Council.