California, Laguna Hills

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Laguna Hills Introduces Medical Marijuana Ban

The Orange County Register
Wed, 29 Aug 2007
by Alejandra Molina

LAGUNA HILLS - The city of Laguna Hills is moving to make permanent a ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

The City Council on Tuesday on a 5-0 vote approved introduction of the ordinance. A previously adopted interim urgency ordinance that banned medical marijuana dispensaries will expire Oct. 24, said City Attorney Gregory Simonian.

No further extension of the interim urgency ordinance is allowed by state law.

California voters have approved the use of medical marijuana, but possession is still prohibited under federal law.

With the legal uncertainties and concerns that medical marijuana dispensaries might lead to loitering or crime, city staff has recommended that the council adopt the proposed ordinance. It prohibits any land use that would be illegal under state or federal law.

Simonian said the city's stance on marijuana dispensaries is no different than what other cities like Orange are doing. They, too, ban uses that are inconsistent with either state or federal law.

The proposed ordinance is scheduled for adoption at the next regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 11 at City Hall, 24035 El Toro Road.

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Laguna Hills approves ban on medical marijuana dispensaries

<span class=postbigbold>The ordinance prohibits land use that is illegal under state or federal law.</span>

by Alejandra Molina, Orange County Register
September 14th, 2007


Laguna Hills leaders on Tuesday passed a permanent ban on medical marijuana dispensaries.

The City Council approved an ordinance that prohibits any land use that is illegal under state or federal law.

A previously adopted interim ordinance banning the facilities expires Oct. 24, said City Attorney Gregory Simonian.

California voters have approved the use of marijuana for medical purposes, but possession is still prohibited under federal law.

Simonian said the city's stance on marijuana dispensaries is similar to what other cities, like Orange, are doing. They, too, ban uses that are inconsistent with either state or federal law.