Pubdate: Wed, 24 Dec 2014
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2014 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.
Author: David Garrick

CITY ATTORNEY CLOSES 5 MORE ILLEGAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES IN SAN DIEGO

Legal Dispensaries Are Nearing Final Approval to Open in San Diego

SAN DIEGO - Five more illegal medical marijuana dispensaries have 
been shut down by City Attorney Jan Goldsmith, including two in 
Mission Valley and one each in North Park, Kearny Mesa and City Heights.

City officials are facing pressure to close as many illegal pot shops 
as possible before the first legal dispensaries open early next year.

The most recent estimates put the number of illegal dispensaries 
operating in San Diego at roughly 50.

The City Attorney's Office has closed down more than 200 dispensaries 
in the past four years, including 40 in the second half of 2014. Many 
more have voluntarily shut down because civil action was threatened.

Goldsmith files civil lawsuits against property owners and dispensary 
operators because pot shops violate zoning regulations.

The dispensaries closed in recent days include High Grade Collective 
at 4535 30th St., Mercury Organics at 8222 Vickers St., City Heights 
Organic at 4292 University Ave. and Botanica Health and Prop 215, two 
dispensaries operating from separate suites at 2815 Camino Del Rio South.

Four legal dispensaries are nearing final approval to open. They are 
located in Otay Mesa, Clairemont, the Midway district and San Ysidro.

A county-approved dispensary opened just outside El Cajon in late 
July. It's the only legal dispensary operating in San Diego County.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom