L.A. Countersues Over Shutting Down Pot Clinics
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles city attorney has filed a lawsuit asking a judge to back up the city's move to shut down 129 medical marijuana shops under a new ordinance.
City attorney spokesman Frank Mateljan said the case was filed Thursday.
The city clerk determined that only 41 pot shops comply with the ordinance, which requires dispensaries to be 1,000 feet from schools, parks and other gathering sites. Owners must also undergo a background check and their pot must be tested at an independent lab.
The countersuit asks a judge to determine that the city's strict process in interpreting the law was appropriate. The city said it won't seek to close any clinics before a court ruling.
About 30 marijuana clinics have already sued the city to challenge its procedures.
© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
