Openings Of Oakland Pot Dispensaries Delayed
OAKLAND (CBS/AP) -- A hard line stance by the federal government on medical marijuana dispensaries and the reluctance of landlords to rent out their space is being blamed for a delay in the opening of new dispensaries in Oakland after city officials permitted the establishment of four new medical marijuana facilities.
Nearly a year after Oakland officials gave approval for the four dispensaries, only one has opened.
City leaders and marijuana advocates say after federal prosecutors last year moved to seize the property occupied by Harborside Health Center dispensary, landlords became less willing to rent to marijuana dispensaries.
The difficulty in finding a place to rent comes after Oakland officials last March approved the four dispensaries -- a move that would have doubled the number of outlets selling medical marijuana in Oakland.
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