Legal sale of recreational marijuana began in California on Monday with fanfare, and some anxiety. Companies began selling pot in a relatively small number of businesses Monday, with more expected to join in the coming days and weeks. The state has issued dozens of permits for retailers to begin recreational sales this week, expanding a market that is expected to grow to $7 billion annually by 2020. Several of those retailers are in West Hollywood, but they won't open until Tuesday at the city's request. That makes Santa Ana's licensed stores the closest option for Angelenos who want to buy recreational marijuana on New Year's Day. Buyers could also trek to San Diego or the Palm Springs area to purchase pot. [continues 1015 words]
Lynwood officials move toward allowing commercial cannabis production. Lynwood officials last week took a step toward allowing businesses to grow medical marijuana within city limits. If the measure gains final passage, the city of 70,000 would be among the first in Los Angeles County to issue such permits. On a 3-1 vote, the City Council approved the first reading of an ordinance that would amend the zoning code to permit commercial cannabis producers to cultivate and manufacture marijuana in industrial areas. [continues 294 words]
District Officials Say State and Local Laws Against Dispensaries Aren't Being Enforced. Saying the city of Compton has failed to enforce its own marijuana laws, Compton school officials have sued the city for allegedly allowing pot dispensaries to set up shop near schools. State law prohibits dispensaries from operating within 600 feet of educational institutions, but Compton's municipal ordinances go a step further. In 2007, the City Council banned marijuana shops. In a lawsuit filed Wednesday, the Compton Unified School District alleges that a dozen pot shops are now operating in city limits, three in the restricted zones of an elementary school, two middle schools and a high school. [continues 430 words]
