Finally, some positive news in the City of Los Angeles. As some of you know, I have been working with the Los Angeles Cannabis Task Force to perpetuate a change in the City in its relationship with cannabis businesses, and in particular a bold revision of Proposition D, to create a pathway for licensing of businesses in the same categories contemplated by the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act (MMRSA) and the recreational initiative sponsored by Sean Parker (AUMA). These efforts have included, among other things, meeting with City Council members, politicians in Sacramento and stakeholders interested in the same objective. Until recently, I did not see much traction in City Hall for a bold change to Proposition D. But last week, City Councilmembers Herb Wesson, Paul Koretz and Nury Martinez (each of whom I or another Task Force member had met with), made a motion in the City Council which gives us reason for optimism. The motion is attached, and provides, in sum and substance, that “with the newly enacted state law in 2015 [MMRSA], it is time for the City of Los Angeles to make adjustments to Proposition D allowing the City’s medical marijuana regulatory framework to better conform with state law prior to January 1, 2018”
The Motion asks that the City Council instruct the appropriate agencies within the City, to study and report back in 60 days on options for a 2017 ballot measure that will allow modifications to Proposition D. Although the motion does not expressly contemplate adding new licensing categories beyond dispensaries that comply with Proposition D, this is definitely a step in the right direction.