Town Hall Meeting For Venice Medical Marijuana
| By DPFCA | Published November 4, 2009 |
California State Law allows individuals to use and cultivate marijuana for
their personal use, when recommended by a Doctor, to treat certain medical
conditions. The law also allows such individuals to form “collectives” for
the purpose of cultivation and distribution. In LA, marijuana grown by the
collectives is available to their members at “dispensaries,” which currently
operate out of retail stores with no restrictions as to location. The number
of dispensaries has exploded in the last two years. The LA Times reported
that some twenty-five stores in Venice are either distributing marijuana or
have applied for a license to do so.
Both the LA County District Attorney and the City Attorney have said in
recent weeks that they believe that almost all medical marijuana “sales”
taking place at the dispensaries are illegal. While their assertions have
not been tested in court yet, they have stated their intent to begin
prosecutions.
The Venice Neighborhood Council (VNC) will hold a Town Hall about Medical
Marijuana in Venice at 6:30pm on Thursday, November 5th, in the Westminster
Elementary School’s Auditorium, 1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard (enter from
Westminster).
It is against this backdrop that the Los Angeles City Council will take up a
new, more restrictive ordinance regulating medical marijuana the first week
in November, just days before the scheduled Town Hall.** Representatives
from the City Attorney’s office (author of the proposed ordinance) and City
Council District 11 (Bill Rosendahl’s) office will be on hand to talk about
the situation in Venice, explain the proposed changes to city law and answer
questions. Mike Newhouse, President of the VNC, will lead the Town Hall in a
discussion about medical marijuana and the ordinance. Comments from
attendees will be recorded and submitted to the District 11 and Mayor’s
offices as part of the meeting.
This is an opportunity for VNC stakeholders to make their voices heard. The
discussion couldn’t be more timely. It is likely that what we say at the
Town Hall will influence the City’s direction on medical marijuana.
Snacks and coffee will be provided.
| Date: |
Thursday, November 5, 2009 |
| Time: | 6:30 PM |
| Address: | Westminster Elementary School get directions 1010 Abbot Kinney Boulevard Los Angeles, 90291 |
