Global Ganja Report

Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa signed an ordinance May 3 that will shut 439 medical marijuana dispensaries in the city and impose stricter regulations on the 186 remaining outlets. Under the order, the dispensaries must shut down by June 7, when the city's ordinance to regulate medical marijuana takes effect. Letters, sent to both dispensary operators and property owners, warn that violation of the city laws is a misdemeanor that could lead to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Collectives that stay open after the deadline could also face civil penalties of $2,500 a day.

The ordinance, approved by the City Council in January and signed on April 30, caps the number of dispensaries at 70, while letting 116 that registered with the city before Nov. 13, 2007, stay in business. The remaining operators will be required to pay registration fees of $1,595 annually. Employees will be subject to background checks and facilities subject to city inspection. The ordinance also requires the dispensaries be located at least 1,000 feet from places such as schools, parks and child-care facilities. (LAT, May 5; Bloomberg, May 3)