LOS ANGELES – County supervisors on Tuesday signaled their intent to crack down on marijuana dispensaries and at least temporarily ban growing cannabis in unincorporated areas, but turned back a proposed ban on mobile sales and delivery.
Supervisor Michael Antonovich recommended that the county study the impacts of medical marijuana cultivation, manufacture, testing and distribution in the unincorporated areas in light of recent passage of state legislation setting up a regulatory framework.
The board on Tuesday unanimously directed county lawyers to draft an ordinance that would prohibit all cultivation, manufacturing, laboratory testing and distribution in unincorporated areas of the county for at least 45 days, while the study is underway.
Antonovich warned of dangers associated with growing cannabis, saying in his motion that it “increases the risk of trespassing and burglary and acts of violence.”
One man told the board that growing marijuana plants in his backyard was the only way he could provide relief to his dying father, diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer.
“Ban or no ban, I would have done everything in my power to bring my father the relief that he needed,” the man said.
Antonovich also proposed a prohibition on mobile sales and commercial delivery of medical marijuana.
Supervisor Sheila Kuehl said she was concerned about “those who do have a prescription and can’t leave their homes.”
Ultimately, the ban on mobile sales failed to garner enough support and Antonovich withdrew that part of his proposal.
Supervisor Don Knabe took the opportunity to call for a crackdown on illegal dispensaries.
“I’ve got a ton of them in my district,” Knabe said. “They’re not legal.”
Knabe said he had no issue with the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but those aren’t the customers he sees gathered outside of dispensaries. Instead, he finds a “whole bunch of smiling, happy, young folks.”
A man who once owned a dispensary in Knabe’s district said he shut down his store to comply with the county ordinance, only to see another operator open a shop at the same location.
“Why do you have 75 marijuana dispensaries when there’s a ban on dispensaries? And when do I get mine?” the man asked.
The county’s lead attorney, Mary Wickham, said her department would report back in two weeks on enforcement of the existing ban.
All use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
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HungryHappySleepy says
I’ve dealt with these cops a long time and unfortunately the few rotten apples spoil the tree of good cops. I’ve personally heard stories of some cops that are just out there to excuse my French wave their d*** around. Stereotypes about people who smoke weed MUST be up to trouble MUST be failures MUST be the cause of violence and true crime when the truth is they’re just too preoccupied with this Bs instead of catching the rapists we look for . The kidnappers that stole the young girl near here about a few months ago. That takes ACTUAL work, na instead lets hit the dispensories which most that are pursued are owned by minorities and manipulate evidence to our favor. It’s ok though the generation is slowly dying off and the Millennials are making changes we needed a long time ago. Go catch a heroine, crack, cocaine dealers that flood our streets. That’s your target right there! Oh wait, that might take too much work, no instead focus on a medicine that is dam near on its way to receive federal legalization. (HI we all apperantly forgot about the prohibition and we can get into that correlation with drinking use and crime) *correlation does not mean causation*
Again I respect cops for their line of duty. But the cops that are out there just to abuse their authority does not serve nor protect, it’s corruption and YES SOME cops are participating in this through many different ways every day. Focus on the real issues here. Don’t waste my tax money that I work so hard for everyday just like everyone else. Filling up prisons that we all pay for with individuals that are actually helping our economy rather than using it all up!
On my final note, if it were possible to go back and make some changes on protocol and participants chosen to truly apply the following model. I would say let’s compare this dilemma to the Stanford Prison Experiment and adjust accordingly . Are we really stopping crime here ?
William says
“Reefer Madness” more accurately describes those people who are obsessed with keeping marijuana illegal.
All you have to do to gain perspective is watch the countless prescription drug commericals on the teevee machine and the severe side effects including suicidal thoughts and death which are more harmful than the conditions being treated.
Jacqueline says
So I have a question; What is the difference between an illegal despensery and a legal one in that area. I am 56 and been dealing with cancer since 2005 and I do use medical cannabis. I am planning on moving to the area and will need a safe place to go….Or start my own, but it would have to be LEGAL. please help with any information. TIA
Douglas says
While there are an estimated 900+ dispensaries in Los Angeles, on 134 are legal. They are known as Pre-ICO and can be found by googling “pre-ICO dispensaries”. ICO stands for Interim Control Ordinance. The pre-ICO shops were licensed and permitted in 2007 and in 2010, legislators decided that only the dispensaries from 2007 would be “legal”. That has not stopped the proliferation of high quality dispensaries in virtually every neighborhood in Los Angeles.
michael says
actually, thats incorrect, you’re thinking of PROP D, which only applies to the city of los angeles
sew wesson says
all you god fearing people realize the cannabis plant is here on the earth for a reason, and you narrow minded two faced people who think they know it all, dont!!…,,but when western medicine does not work and cannabis does and your illness stops hurting after you smoke or eat a eatable you know this plant was made for that reason.To All you who do not believe in weed…maybe when you get sick….cuz you will….you will understand, I ll do what i want to do with my life,,and you all haters,,mind your own business.
Laughing says
Guess I should apply your logic to the two people parked on the side of the road, smoking their weed next to my yard last night. They must have been in a lot of pain driving that new mustang and needed an immediate fix by getting in and out of the car several times, lighting up each time. The dogs and the horses just loved the disturbance.
Tim Scott says
That’s a bummer. I suggest going out and saying “hey man, if you are gonna drive my dogs crazy out here are you gonna at least share that?”
Twenty to one they will apologize, and maybe offer you a toke. Since you are obviously out in horse property country surely you can recommend to them a more out of the way spot than right in front of your place.
JustSayYes says
What’s even more amusing about the NEVER ENDING, fact free hysteria called the American War on Drugs, is that if they passed out Xanax to everybody that wanted some, we’d all be smiling, happy, calm, and rational.
Mark Heabert says
Man Made Boose!! God Made Grass Who do you trust??
Laughing says
Heh, God also made booze by letting fruit ferment inside its skin without bursting.
debbi says
what is wrong with “whole bunch of smiling, happy, young folks” ? i guess it wold be better if they where mad and angry?
Mike says
It would be better if they were in school preparing for their future, not lounging around a pot shop high all day.
JustSayYes says
Mike, what makes you think people that smoke weed don’t also plan for their future? I’ve smoked plenty of dope. I planned for my future and went to school to get a career, and one of the reasons I did that was to get a well paying job so I could afford the good weed and live the good life doing the things I enjoy. Shoot, I know people who do GREAT and have been potheads since high school. Are your stereotypes getting tiresome yet?
BummedAtYou says
First of all we are happy because we are getting relief, and so what if I WAS happy before I got there? I am a young, beautiful, successful and yes I’ll say it “WHITE” woman. And I’ve loved almost every person and experience I’ve had at the shops here in the AV. The customers are open-minded people, and the caretakers really care about our relief. And by the way, I’ve seen many, many elderly people and people who are truly in poor condition in these shops as well.
dean conkling says
Why ?i dropped out of school in ninth grade,i to used to smoke,hang around in shops and laugh all day.want to know where it got me.i make over 130k a year job and no debt.i didnt listen,i thought outside the box.in my opinion,rushing nervous teens into life changing decisions straight out of school is the dumbest thing an adult should reccomend.thats how people looking to get a minimum wage job with a psych degree cant because they are too over qualified and they cant get a psych job because everyone and their mom has a psych degree.
Hiram Abiff says
The funny thing is that if you have prescription for medicinal cannabis from your doctor, you can grow, on your own property, at least 5 plants legally by state law. Ban or no ban..you cannot stop that patient from growing his legal limit as long as he does not give it to someone without a prescription.
The ban is only legit when dispensaries are concerned. Lastly, the Feds will only arrest cannabis growers who grow 100 or more plants or the ones who send their product to other states. Also, I recommend the owners of these establishments never, ever have anyone outside loitering.
Reeferman says
Lancaster council voted to ban dispensaries at last night’s meeting. It was hilarious watching Rex and Marv debate the merits of selling weed. At least is was a topic they had some expertise in unlike most of what they talk about.
Reeferman says
Probably went like this back in the day
https://youtu.be/CWxgfTMLtc0
frustrated says
Young or old, people with health problems benefit immensely from medical marijuana. All of this is just ridiculous, I feel like people have to much time on their hands and instead of focusing on the important issues in this community such as meth, poverty, joblessness, and not to mention all the sex offenders living in our small community. I’m not worried about dispensaries or medical marijuana smokers in this community or feel like that demographic truly has much to do with the crime around here. I will tell you, as a parent, in this community, I do fear my children playing outside or walking down the street and it’s because of the number of child sex offenders out here, the drunk drivers, and the overall drug crimes mostly unrelated to marijuana. Please do us all a favor and find an important issue to focus on, this valley needs help and this is not an issue that needs help.
Ann says
This is a very important issue. Getting rid of these shops would remove a negative and illegal element in the communities affected. Not only are the shops a constant and visible affront to our laws but they encourage lawlessness by the fact of usage and crime in our backyards.
Tim Scott says
LOL…right. If it weren’t for dispensaries there would be no pot. Oh, wait…
Kay says
If it’s so ‘legal ‘ why not have it at a legitimate pharmacy like CVS
Tim Scott says
Because CVS is a major corporation that only gets their drugs from major pharmaceutical corporations. That entire industry would rather see you consume harsh chemicals with side effects that you will eventually need more harsh chemicals from them to deal with.
Laughing says
Because CVS and other major labels are registered with the Federal government which still has marijuana as illegal substance. in several states, and growing, it is now legal but breaking that registration for higher classification narcotics is not worth it to the pharmacies.
Question says
Go to los Vegas.. CVS also has a green cross on its sings… And last I checked the feds weren’t only concerned with Cali. So explain y their cvs will and these ones won’t?
G.Hernandez LLA says
what is an afront to the law is when govt officials disregard the mandate of The People and law enforcement takes liberties with our rights. HOW MANY TIMES WILL WE HAVE TO VOTE BEFORE YOU ACCEPT THAT THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN???
if those who call themselves governors would accept what The People have decided and embrace the opportunity we can change the entire complexion of the AV – NO MORE POOR TOWNS ASKING FOR HANDOUTS.
HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF HIGH PAYING JOBS – MONEY FOR SCHOOLS AND WHATEVER INFRASTRUCTURE WE NEED. DRUG TREATMENT FOR HARDCORE NARCOTIC USERS.
instead of banning the LACO should be trying to create the 1st govt grows to REMOVE SOME OF THE INTENSE BURDEN FROM THE HEAVILY TAXED PEOPLE OF LACO…what if we could discontinue the %8.5 sales tax…cant you think outside the little bitty box others have constructed around you?
At one time the AV was a Mecca for agriculture and was thriving. you people have to realize and accept that the world is always going to be in a state of change
the words “Grown is the Golden State of California” can mean more than some of the worlds finest wines.
the price of an Lb of fine cannabis usually sells for between $1800 and $2200 BUT now with this misrepresented ban in just 1 weeks time the price of the same Lb has soared to over $4000
and misrepresented is the correct word. you are all being sold another lie this time its “CRIME AND VIOLENCE” just like the mindless wars we continue To fight after ALMOST 20 YEARS. gosh i wonder if we should treat jewelery stores and gold coin shops the same way. ONE robbery takes place and its “the DANGER FROM INVADING GANGS” when the real danger is the politicians who exploit our collective fears to TAKE MORE RIGHTS FROM US. the ban isnt about crime…the ban is about money!!!!
the ban is out of THEIR FEAR! thier fear that they will NOT get their share of the MONEY…the MILLIONS of TAX dollars derived from the TAX on Medical Cannabis. REMEMBER what triggered the ban…THE IMPENDING date of Mar 1st that had been MISTAKENLY put into the MRSA calling for the local municipalities to either establish their own regs OR abid by the STATE regs and if you havent read the MRSA you should because the law makers who wrote that act were committed to making MRSA the benchmark for regulation across the country…WHAT WE SHOULD ALL THINK ABOUT IS HOW MUCH MONEY THE COUNTY IS WASTING TO “STUDY” WHATS GOING ON WITH OUT TALKING TO WE THE PEOPLE OF THE AV
troll hunter says
Don’t forget that police and sheriff’s departments get a large cut of the action as well. Confiscatory policies that allow them to benefit financially in order to buy all of their mil-surp gear to go play soldier.
There are conflicts of interest all up and down the system.
Kay says
Funny all I see loitering around these shops are twenty something males. Not ‘sick folk!’ Who are we kidding. If it were legitimate it would be available in legitimate pharmacies. I live near them in the rural part of town and ran off 8 young men involved in a drug deal down our long windy dirt road. They had their cars tucked just off-road and when I happened on them going to my house they scattered like rats! I’ve been here years and it’s just now becoming a real problem! The pot shops are bringing crime. Hence the shooting. I pray I was lucky not to have been shot and buried when venturing home down my lonely road!
Muzzled says
You are sounding like a resident of the gold mining town to the north of us! Probably caught a meth deal going on. Its not a legitimate drug at this moment, just as certain people couldn’t vote back in the day, this too will confirm to the times. You are out dated and blinded by the opiates that keep you going.
Hiram Abiff says
Lol..Kay, ohhh Kay!!!
IDefyYou says
The legality of marijuana never really mattered to me. I prefer breaking the law to get the things I want. I consider it my civic duty. If the U.S. Government won’t let adults make their own choices, then the U.S. Goverment will be circumvented. Weed is easy to get, as is cocaine, meth, or pills whenever I’m in the mood for one of those cocktails.
Now What? says
Why condemn people that need or choose to use marijuana as medication? Not all people who medicate are immobile, and that’s a ludicrous claim to make in the first place. Many young people still have the resiliency to smile through their problems unlike the crabby old seniors who judge them. This is about control, and weed possession is the easy way to hand a young person a ticket when they are pulled over in one of the AV’s many speed traps, conveniently located in the lower income communities. Delivery services only offer high prices, no lower prices and you aren’t able to see what you’re buying before hand. The people voted… Stop being lame AV… Just Stop! You’re prejuduces just continue to shine through. Antonivich is only honing in on this because you crabby patty’s won’t stop your complaining. The real issues out here are, meth, domestic abuse, lack of employment, rent is too high for this crap town and limited recreation and education. Let’s focus on the real issues.
Regina says
Very well said @Now What?
Ann says
Believe me the number of people frequenting these shops for medication is small. One only has to pass by to see the age, health, mobility, and even gender to realize that patrons of these marijuana dispensaries are for the most part young, male, and in basically good health. This fact stares me in the face as I travel in my community. I definitely would have more compassion if the reality of the type and number of the patrons matched the intent of these dispensaries. There simply cannot be that many ill individuals for which all other legal medication is ineffective for their needs to support the number of dispensaries in Pearblossom and Littlerock.
Junglist says
I know of at least one person who is disabled that was getting medical benefit from the medication and also the fact that the drive wasn’t long and excruciatingly painful. Some are grown adults and that medication works for them and they are polite and don’t even consider loitering! Please don’t lump everyone together. There are people with an actually need for this medication.
Clove says
Reality is, whole bunch of pot heads pretending been seek if they really want to use it as medicine, why do they smoke it when they can use it in different way
Medication says
Why swallow blood pressure pills or Tylenol when u could snort them. Who are u to judge how someone uses medicine? Try and educate yourself before u judge. I know multiple people who use cbd to fight seizures instead of popping pills. Ya look up cbd. One of the other active parts of the marijuana plant that helps many other diseases
michael says
would you rather them shoot it up with needles?
JD says
Maybe if we welcome legitimate shops into our community you wouldn’t have these hole-in the wall/fly by night shops. You would get legitimate business owners that follow rules and regulations. We force these shops into the worse of neighborhoods, push out the legitimate owners/growers and then cry when their is criminal behavior. It’s not the product that is causing the issues but more the location.
William says
“whole bunch of smiling, happy, young folks.”
And, the problem is…….?
tom says
God forbid that people are actually smiling and happy, would they rather see them doing drive by shootings? I myself dont use pot, however im all for getting it legal on all levels of the law.
Elyumazeta says
I smoke my self, but the shops are an eye sore for the community. I think it should be treated as a plant and if you want to produce/sell its medicinal properties it should fall under USDA FDA regulation.
Mike says
They need to shut down all these sham drug dispensaries. Marijuana turns people into ignorant sloths with no ambition. The marijuana addicts are too lazy to work so they commit crimes to fund their addiction.
j says
You might turn into an ignorant sloth but that doesn’t mean its that case for every individual. I’ve had a full time job since I was 18 and and I smoke weed. Now that your ignorant and close minded theory has been proven wrong what else do you have to say?
Mike says
Does working at McDonald’s for 15 years represent your full potential? If you hadn’t been high all the time you could have gone to school and made something of yourself.
Tim Scott says
If “make something of yourself” involves ending up a judgmental holier than thou schmuck like you, why would anyone want to?
Laughing says
Depends, how many of those years are in management at McD’s? Nice benefits last time I checked and a good salary.
Ann says
I agree with you Mike. These shops are a blight on the landscape and a farce in purpose.
Eddie b says
Truly ignorant comment!
Tim Scott says
That’s our Mike! Ya get used to him.
pm says
Mike its funny how the world works.a drug addicted felon like myself makes over 130k a year after taxs at a legitimate job.i then proceed to buy whatever i want because i can afford it and guess what? It comes back just as fast as i spend it.its nice being an ignorant sloth with no ambition.youre right,i am lazy and i dont want to work (like every corporate slave in america) which is why next year i will not have a boss.some how this pot head remembered to invest.
gloria says
THE PROBLEM IS NOT MARIJUANA, THE PROBLEM IS ALCOHOL, AND CRYSTAL METH!!!!!!!!!!!!THE GANGS WHO LOOK LIKE YOU AND ME THAT GET IN YOUR PLACE TERRORIZE YOUR MIND WHILE THEY GOT YOU DRUNK, RAPE YOU, SELL YOUR BODY, OR GIVE IT AWAY TO THE OTHER GANGSTERS. THEY WILL TELL YOU THERE GOING TO HELP YOU, BUT REALLY THERE USING YOU TO MAKE MONEY. DON’T BE A GANGSTER, AND DO THESE KIND OF THING. INSTEAD HELP YOUR COMMUNITY AND REPORT ANY GANG TYPE BEHAVIOR!! IF YOU DON’T, THEN YOUR JUST AS GUILTY. ALLOWING PEOPLE TO GET HURT, AND WHO MAY BE ONE OF YOUR OWN FAMILY MEMBERS, INCLUDING CHILDREN. WHILE YOUR GOOD AND DRUGGED UP, DRUNK WHATEVER THEY COULD BE MOLESTING YOUR CHILD!! DON’T PLAY AROUND AND ALLOW EVERYBODY AROUND YOUR KIDS, I WOULDN’T EVEN TRUST ONE OF THESE FEMALE’S THAT SAY THEY WILL WATCH YOUR KIDS WHILE YOU RUN AN ERRAND OR SOMETHING, WHAT IF THERE PART OF THE WHOLE SKEMMING, SCAMMING, I HOPE TO GOD THIS HELPS SOMEONE FROM GETTING MESSED OVER. I JUST SEEN A GUY TONIGHT THAT IS SO MESSED UP, HE COULD N’T TELL US EXACTLY WHERE TO DROP HIM OFF AFTER A MEETING HE ATTENDED. I’M WONDERING HOW HE GOT THAT CONFUSED? I’M THINKING WHAT IF SOMEONE DID THIS TO HIM ON PERSON, TO STEAL HIS IDENTITY, OR SOMETHING LIKE THAT. NOTICE THAT EVERYBODY YOU TALK TO WILL BE NICE, BUT REALLY BEWARE THEY MIGHT BE GETTING PAID TO GET YOU ON DRUGS, AND ONCE YOU ARE, THEY WILL TELL TO KEEP YOU ON IT. THEY WILL SEND A GANGSTER TO FORCE YOU TO TAKE HITS, AND IF YOU HAVE COURT COMING UP, THERE GOING TO BE RIGHT THERE STICKING DRUGS IN YOU MOUTH, SO YOU EITHER WILL MISS COURT, BC THEY WANT YOUR BEAUTIFUL KIDS, BC SOMEONE IS READY TO ADOPT THEM. FOR WHAT?? ONLY GOD REALLY KNOWS,AND IT SEEMS LIKE THE JUDGES ARE SO MANIPULATED, THAT KIDS ARE BEING PLACED IN WHO KNOWS WHAT TYPE OF SITUATION. DRUG DEALERS AND DRUG ADDICTS DON’T EVEN REALIZE WHAT THEY ARE CONTRIBUTING TO BY BEING A PART OF DRUGS AND ALCOHOL. PLEASE DON’T DO IT.
Nancy P says
I think @Gloria is right on the money.
That been said, the “whole bunch of smiling, happy, young folks”, need to be in school, at work, or home taking care of their kids.
Ann says
Amen.
getreal says
I agree. They people who actually need it can’t leave their houses. The young people who are out getting weed from these shops got a licence to buy for a bull crap reason that’s probably not true and now can legally buy weed. I think shops need to deliver only and have a crack down on who they are actually selling to.
Hil says
Dispensaries need better protection. The AV is so full of gangs and drug addicts that they are ruining Medicinal Cannabis for everyone who uses it to live a quality life. I like delivery services much better than actually going into a dispensary only because when I don’t see security, I don’t feel very safe. Delivery services are discreet and it’s easier for those who cannot get out of bed! LEAVE CANNABIS ALONE and LEAVE THOSE WHO USE IT FOR MEDICINAL PURPOSES ALONE! And damn straight I am smiling when I get my medicine, IT MEANS PAIN RELIEF! Sorry, but i’d rather smoke/ingest a plant that has no negative effects than poison my body with prescription drugs!
Hil says
Also, Anyone who is against cannabis and drinks alcohol, eats McDonalds, smokes cigarettes, drinks soda, takes pain killers, are ALL hypocrites and should be ashamed of their self!
Junglist says
Amen!
IHateAV4Life says
Another crackdown on a plant. Is it gonna work this time? Of course it’s not going to work. The War on (some) Drugs is the make work gravy train for pigs and prison employees and is corrupt to the core like most things American.
Maria says
Exactly my thoughts?! They contradicted themselves by claiming that ingesting mj causes ‘trespassing and violence’, but the people coming out/hanging out are smiling and happy?
J says
Knabe said he had no issue with the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but those aren’t the customers he sees gathered outside of dispensaries. Instead, he finds a “whole bunch of smiling, happy, young folks.” Would he rather see unhappy, angry people?
Ann says
Marijuana dispensing was intended for medical use. Very ill individuals who would be in need of marijuana’s palliative effects, note not healing effects, would most likely not be standing around smiling in groups. Thus the comment regarding smiling had nothing to do against smiling but instead everything to do with the fraudulent patronage of marijuana dispensaries.
Allan says
They need to shut down that AVDC in Rosamond if they shut any places down. Just a bunch of gang bangers who shoot off guns in the back, have strippers do shows after hours and do a bunch of drugs. Not sure how they got to even open in the first place must be paying someone at the city off.
Tim Scott says
County. Specifically Kern County, which by and large doesn’t even know they own Rosamond, if they even know there is such a place.
Gladys says
…and that’s why the gangsters move to Rosamond and Mojave.
john says
allen you sound like a [removed] .”strippers,drugs shooting off guns”.the police station is right there so doubt they are shooting guns.and if you call marijuana a drug your a lame.what you going to do when its legal.strippers after hours i also doubt.even if there was you never went to a company party after hours before.probably not you were to worried about everyone might be having a good time and how you can put a end to it.”strippers drugs and guns”sounds like you making things up.are you hating cause you found out your girl was dancing.
Regina says
WOW Allan–Where do you get your info from? I work there and that is a bunch of crap. We don’t have staff shooting guns in the back, and by no means have we ever had strippers after hours. Such an ignorant comment!! If you don’t know about something, don’t sepculate
troll hunter says
Hyperbole doesn’t help one’s argument, unless you can substantiate it. I do agree that many of the “customers” patronizing the “medical” shops appear to be what some could call “less than desirable”. but I can’t and won’t say that all don’t have some kind of need for a drug that helps with their problems. Purely anecdotal, but I have yet to see what one could call a senior citizen entering one of these shops though, most appear to be young folks…can’t imagine that there is an epidemic of cancer or other health “crisis” in the 18-30 age group all of a sudden that requires mj.
Part of what makes these shops ripe for robbery is federal banking laws…I won’t go into specifics, but there’s information out there if one looks for it.
Ann says
Yes. These shops do not serve the purpose for which they were intended except perhaps for a very few individuals. I wouldn’t think that there would be enough seriously ill individuals to support the at minimum 5 marijuana shops within a 10 mile stretch in Littlerock and Pearblossom.