Medical marijuana clinics in LA may soon face restrictions (Laurie Avocado)

Proposition D, Ordinance E and Ordinance F are the three measures in question (the ordinances were put on the ballot as a result of a citizen-created petition, while the proposition was created by the Los Angeles City Council). Each offers a different plan for regulating dispensaries in a way that suits both medical marijuana advocates and opponents.

Here is what each one covers:

PROPOSITION D: This proposition would limit the number of marijuana clinics in Los Angeles to the 135 which already existed before the 2007 City Council-issued moratorium on building new clinics. That would mean closing roughly 1500 dispensaries. It would also impose a tax increase on clinics from $50 per $1000 earned to $60 per $1000 earned. The measure exempts "dwelling units" where three or fewer people cultivate marijuana for medical use.

ORDINANCE E: Backers of Ordinance E have decided to throw their support behind Proposition D instead, as it covers the same principles. This means that although Ordinance E remains on the ballot, it is essentially null and void.

ORDINANCE F: Rather than limiting the number of clinics, Proposition F would require all dispensaries to register with the city and to follow certain rules, such as keeping a certain distance from schools and from other dispensaries, operating as a non-profit, and requiring annual background checks for clinic employees. This would leave roughly 1750 clinics open. Proposition F includes the same tax increase as Proposition D. Proponents of Ordinance F argue that 135 clinics would not be enough to serve all of LA's patients who use medical marijuana. 

See the Marijuana Policy Project for in-depth analysis of various LA candidates' takes on the propositions.

For the latest on a state-wide marijuana legalization bill, see the Daily Chronic.

Reach Executive Producer Lauren Madow here. Follow her here.