Tackling an issue that many residents in the Los Angeles are familiar with, the California Supreme Court announced it will review city and county regulations banning medical marijuana dispensaries, reports the Los Angeles Times.
Several cities in and near the Los Angeles area have previously weighed in on the issue, with one of the most recent decisions coming from an Orange County Superior Court judge allowing Anaheim to ban the pot dispensaries.
Although a ruling from the high court probably won't be announced for another year or two, according to the Times, its decision to review the regulations means they cannot be enforced until a ruling is issued.
However, some cities are taking the court's decision as a sign to halt all dispensary action until a ruling is reached.
"The best thing right now for the city of Los Angeles to say is, 'There's no more medical marijuana dispensaries in the city," Los Angeles City Councilman Jose Huizar told NBC Southern California. "Let's wait to see what the California Supreme Court says, and then formulate a new ordinance."
The L.A. city council is holding its own hearing on a bill that would ban medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles this week, according to NBC.
California's voters were the first to pass an initiative legalizing medical marijuana in 1996. However, legalization of pot, even for medical purposes, directly conflicts with federal law, which makes it illegal to use, sell or possess marijuana.
The recent uncertainty over federal, state and municipal laws will give the California Supreme Court a tricky issue to review.
If you have been recently arrested for marijuana possession - medical or otherwise - you should consider contacting a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney who has experience handling drug cases. He or she will likely be well-versed in state marijuana laws, and can provide advice in handling your case.
For more information on city, state and federal laws regarding marijuana, see our Related Resources section.
Related Resources:
- Find a Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney (FindLaw)
- California Marijuana Laws (FindLaw)
- Nothing Like California Medical Marijuana Law to Brighten the Day (FindLaw's California Case Law blog)
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