Assembly Bill To Regulate Medical Marijuana Fails
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A bill to regulate the sale of medical marijuana in California has failed in the Assembly.
The legislation from Democratic Assemblyman Tom Ammiano of San Francisco would have monitored the production and sale of medical marijuana through the state's alcohol enforcement department.
AB473 fell six votes short of a majority Friday.
Ammiano said his bill would not have prevented further regulations on the local level. About 200 California cities have banned marijuana dispensaries.
In a statement after the vote, he said he will continue to push for state oversight.
The Senate passed a related measure last week stating that dispensaries cannot operate at a profit. Under SB439, the owners can receive reasonable compensation for expenses.
That bill awaits consideration in the Assembly.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
